Expressing profound concern over escalating regional instability, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that the European continent is standing on the brink of a larger military conflict, with tensions between the Western alliance and Russia reaching a critical tipping point surrounding the Ukraine war.
The statement was reported in a special update by Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency on Thursday (September 17, 2026), citing the Slovak national news agency TASR.
Addressing an event in Prešov, Slovakia, Prime Minister Fico cautioned, “In terms of the potential for a full-scale military conflict, the overall geopolitical situation has never been as serious and dangerous as it is right now.”
Addressing Slovakia’s obligations to NATO, Fico clearly stated, “We are a disciplined member of the North Atlantic Alliance; we respect the alliance and are committed to fulfilling our military obligations. However, as Prime Minister of Slovakia, I will do everything within my power to ensure that my country is never dragged into a direct armed conflict and destruction.”
Remarking that the war in Ukraine has spiraled out of international control, Fico expressed deep worry regarding the growing military rhetoric within Europe. He warned, “Today we have peace, but with the way things are deteriorating—tomorrow it could vanish entirely.”
Fico made these candid remarks on the eve of his departure to Kyiv on Friday (September 18, 2026) for a key European Union (EU) summit. During his visit, the Slovak Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in bilateral talks alongside other EU leaders, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Serhiy Koretskyi.
