Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his country’s support for the ‘Friends of Peace’ initiative, a diplomatic effort to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During an official visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Fico declared Slovakia’s commitment to the ‘Friends of Peace’ platform, launched by China, Brazil, and other nations in September. He believes the platform can significantly contribute to ending the hostilities.
The initiative advocates for a resolution based on a six-point plan, previously published by China and Brazil, calling for a ceasefire, negotiations, and a peace conference involving both Russia and Ukraine.
Fico stated that Slovakia supports this plan and is ready to assist in its implementation.
“We offer our support to this plan in various ways. I believe Brazil, along with China and other key nations, will play a crucial role in halting military operations in Ukraine,” Fico said during a press briefing after meeting with Brazil’s vice president.
Fico has publicly opposed Western intervention in the conflict and suspended military aid to Ukraine upon taking office in 2023. After a recent visit to China, he criticized Western politicians for hindering 2022 peace talks and stressed the urgency of a diplomatic solution to prevent escalation between Russia and NATO.
Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected the China-Brazil peace plan, dismissing it as a “political statement” and accusing the two countries of siding with Russia. Zelensky insists on his ten-point peace formula, including complete Russian withdrawal and restoration of Ukraine’s 1991 borders, and NATO membership for Ukraine.
Russia maintains that any peace agreement must begin with Ukraine ending military actions and accepting the loss of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporozhye, and Crimea. The Kremlin insists on achieving its objectives: Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification. President Putin has expressed respect for the ‘Friends of Peace’ platform and is closely monitoring their proposals.