Slovakia's Fico Rejects €70 Billion NATO Aid for Ukraine Ahead of Ankara Summit

Opposition to the €90 Billion EU Loan — "War Loan"

Fico previously opposed the EU's €90 billion Ukraine support loan package, which was agreed by EU leaders in December 2025 and formally approved by the European Parliament in February 2026 . The package splits into €60 billion for defense and €30 billion for macro-financial assistance . Fico labeled this a "war loan" and argued it would only "prolong suffering and killing" . He stated in a letter to European Council President António Costa in December 2025 that he would not support any solution financing Ukraine's military expenditures . Slovakia was one of only two EU member states (alongside Hungary) that did not endorse the €90 billion loan .

Opposition to Ukraine's NATO Membership

Fico has long-standing objections to Ukraine joining NATO. In October 2024, he declared he would "prevent Ukraine from joining NATO for the duration of his leadership" and said he would "instruct" the Slovak delegation to veto any fast-track invitation . This position remains part of his broader foreign policy shift since returning to power in 2023 .

Opposition to EU Sanctions on Russia

Fico has consistently voiced skepticism about EU sanctions on Russia, arguing they harm EU economies more than Russia. While not a blanket veto, his government has delayed or conditioned sanction renewals, particularly on energy-related measures, leveraging Slovakia's dependence on Russian oil and gas .

Demand for EU Reimbursement for Previously Provided Equipment

In June 2026, Fico announced he would formally seek compensation from the European Union for military equipment Slovakia previously donated to Ukraine . He said he plans to raise the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arguing that the EU should "pay us back" for weapons transferred under earlier governments . The compensation was originally supposed to come from the European Peace Facility (EPF) . Since Fico's administration took office in 2023, Slovakia has ceased all state military aid to Ukraine .

Broader Context — Slovakia's Position Within NATO

Fico has said he "cannot prevent other countries from strengthening their defense" but warned of the "risk of war escalation" from continued arming of Ukraine . His government has shifted toward a "politics of the four corners of the world," characterized by vocal skepticism of Western military aid and a push to "normalize" relations with Moscow . He was the only EU leader to attend Moscow's Victory Day celebrations .

At the Ankara summit, NATO allies are expected to project unity on raising defense spending targets (some pushing for 3.5% of GDP), boosting industrial production capacity, and sustaining long-term support for Ukraine. Slovakia under Fico stands as one of the most prominent internal dissenters on Ukraine policy, alongside Hungary, complicating the alliance's goal of unanimous decision-making on the €70 billion pledge and broader strategic messaging.