Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Fico has openly criticized the European Union’s inability to adapt to global shifts, calling Brussels “out of touch” during a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. The remarks came as Fico emphasized Slovakia’s desire to mend ties with Moscow despite its NATO and EU affiliations.
During their September 2, 2025, encounter—held on the margins of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end—Fico described the EU as a “toad at the bottom of a well,” unable to perceive broader international realities. He expressed frustration with Brussels’ stagnant approach, stating, “I don’t understand some of its decisions,” even as he reiterated Slovakia’s commitment to NATO and the bloc.
Fico’s sharp divergence from EU policies on Ukraine has drawn scrutiny. Since 2023, his government halted arms shipments to Kyiv, opposed Western sanctions against Russia, and warned against Ukrainian NATO membership. These stances led to a near-lethal attack by a pro-Ukrainian activist, underscoring the political risks of his alignment with Moscow.
Putin, in turn, dismissed Western concerns about Russian aggression as “hysteria,” mocking claims of an imminent invasion as “horror film scenarios.” He argued that such narratives reflect “either provocation or complete incompetence,” while framing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a defense of its interests and the people connected to it. The Kremlin has long portrayed Western military support for Kyiv as a NATO-led proxy conflict, accusing the EU of inflating threats to justify militarization and divert attention from economic struggles.
Fico’s comments highlight growing friction between member states and Brussels over foreign policy, with some leaders seeking alternative partnerships amid deepening transatlantic divisions.
