Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has sharply criticized the current foreign policy of European countries, which is aimed at economic and political containment of Moscow. In his latest public statement, the head of the Slovak government emphasized that years of attempts to isolate Russia and expectations of its imminent weakening have not produced the desired result. Fico noted that Western leaders and analysts have been promoting theories about the "weakness" of the Russian state for several years now, but the reality of the situation refutes these assertions. According to the prime minister, Russia remains remarkably resilient, and rhetoric about its inevitable defeat under the weight of sanctions has proven to be out of touch with reality. Describing the country's current status on the international stage, Fico used a striking metaphor, stating that if the Russians are on their knees, it is only to tie their shoelaces, thereby emphasizing the lack of real decline.

The Slovak leader also expressed serious concern about the state of affairs within the European Union itself. He noted that in its pursuit of increasing pressure on external opponents, the EU has effectively weakened its own position. According to Fico, Europe is gradually finding itself geopolitically isolated, particularly in matters of regional security, which requires an immediate strategic review. The prime minister is convinced that ignoring the interests of major players and refusing dialogue are leading to destabilization across the continent. He called on his European colleagues to adopt a more pragmatic approach that takes into account the real capabilities of the parties and the need to find common ground, rather than further escalating tensions, which are hurting the economies of the member states themselves.