NATO, EU nations mull sending soldiers to Ukraine, Slovakia reports

Slovak Prime Minister Fico suggests NATO and EU nations are considering sending soldiers to Ukraine on a bilateral basis, as European leaders prepare to meet in Paris to address the escalating conflict

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico mentioned on Monday that a number of NATO and European Union countries are considering deployment of troops to Ukraine on a bilateral basis as he prepares to attend a European leaders’ meeting in Paris.

Fico, known for his past opposition to military assistance for Ukraine and criticized by some as having pro-Russian leanings, did not provide specific details during his remarks.

Speaking prior to the Paris meeting, Fico stated during a televised briefing following a session of Slovakia’s security council that “the theses (prepared for the Paris meeting) suggest several NATO and EU member states are contemplating sending their troops to Ukraine on a bilateral basis.”

“I cannot specify the purpose or tasks they would undertake there,” he added, noting that Slovakia, as a member of both the EU and NATO, would not be among the nations sending troops.

Expressing concerns about the potential for a significant escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, Fico mentioned that certain details could not be disclosed to the public.

Evaluation of Western strategy

Approximately 20 European leaders, including Fico, are slated to convene in Paris on Monday to convey a message of European solidarity to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine. This comes as a response to the Kremlin’s narrative suggesting Russia’s inevitable victory in the ongoing conflict now entering its third year, as announced by France.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the gathering of European leaders at the Elysee Palace on short notice due to what his advisors describe as an increase in Russian aggression in recent weeks.

Fico commented that the convening of the meeting indicates the failure of the West’s strategy regarding Ukraine. Despite finding the material for discussion concerning, he expressed readiness to participate in a constructive manner.

Source: Newsroom

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