Slovak PM Fico opposes new "Iron Curtain" in Europe, calls for dialogue with Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, has expressed his desire for the normalization of relations between Russia and the Western nations, opposing the creation of a new "Iron Curtain" in Europe.

During his official visit to Brazil, Fico emphasized in an interview with the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper that a normal dialogue must begin, as what is happening today is abnormal, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"I want the normalization of relations with Russia.. And I guarantee you: once the war ends for everyone, relations will be built on mutual interests. Everyone will go there [to Russia], everyone will want to trade," Fico stated.

The Slovakian leader also stressed his opposition to the resurgence of an "Iron Curtain" between Russia and Europe, a concept famously described by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1946 at the start of the Cold War.

"I do not want the emergence of a new 'Iron Curtain' between Russia and Europe," he remarked, underlining the need for a more open and cooperative future. Fico further pointed out that all conflicts eventually conclude with negotiations, and as the head of the Slovak government, he strongly supports the initiation of talks between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Fico shared his views on Ukraine’s future in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. He suggested that Ukraine could lose approximately a third of its territory and would not gain NATO membership, despite its hopes to join the alliance.

"I think Ukraine will lose a third of its territory, and that it will be offered security guarantees," Fico stated, suggesting that an international military presence could be deployed on Ukrainian soil.

However, he firmly believed that Ukraine would not receive an invitation to join NATO from the West, a prospect eagerly anticipated by Kyiv.

By Aghakazim Guliyev