Debate in the Editorial Office / Slovakia Does Not Harm Ukraine, It Is Fico's Fairytale with a Sense of Shame. But Kiev Should Also Behave More Decently
The article critiques the recent decision by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, arguing that his actions compromise Slovakia's relationship with its neighbor over minimal political gain.
In a recent editorial, the editor-in-chief of Postoj, Martin Hanus, along with deputy Jozef Majchrák, discusses Prime Minister Robert Fico's controversial decision to terminate emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This decision coincided with challenges in restoring oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine attributes to damage incurred from a Russian attack. The commentators suggest that Fico's motivations appear to be rooted more in domestic political calculations rather than genuine concern for diplomatic relations, as the supply cessation to Ukraine does not pose significant complications for them, given alternative sources in Poland and Romania.
Hanus and Majchrák assert that Fico’s actions could jeopardize regional diplomatic relations, particularly since these measures seem aimed at bolstering his popularity by appealing to a domestic audience. Fico's maneuvering is placed within the broader context of deteriorating support for parties such as Progressive Slovakia and KDH, signaling an underlying struggle for political survival that may come at the cost of international relationships. The editorial articulates concerns about the implications of Fico's decisions, suggesting that his popularity among supporters is not worth the potential damage to Slovakia's standing in regional politics.
The editorial concludes with a call for both Slovakia and Ukraine to adopt more diplomatic postures, with the implication that Fico's approach sells out the country’s reputation for short-term political gain. This reflects a broader concern about how domestic politics and electoral strategies can undermine necessary international collaborations, given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Fico's focus on appealing to populism may lead to increased isolation for Slovakia at a time when solidarity with Ukraine is paramount, particularly in light of the ongoing war initiated by Russia.