Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico faced criticism on Tuesday as he claimed, “there’s no war in Kyiv”, insisting that life in Ukraine’s capital is “absolutely normal”. The statement comes amidst Russia’s latest missile strikes on the country.
During a press conference, Fico responded to a question about why he was not meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv, saying: “Do you really think there is war in Kyiv? I hope you’re not serious … life there is absolutely normal.”
Instead, Fico and Shmyhal are scheduled to meet in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod near the Slovak border, a choice Fico described as practical and proposed by the Ukrainian side.
However, the Slovak leader’s comments drew criticism, especially on a day when Russia launched 41 missiles at Ukraine, resulting in casualties in Kyiv and Kharkiv, injuries, and infrastructure damage.
Ukrainian officials expressed frustration with Fico, who had previously pledged not to send further military aid to Ukraine.
Senior Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko responded to Fico’s remarks, painting a stark picture of life in Kyiv. He said: “Let me tell you about a day in Kyiv. Today everyone woke up at 5.43am because the air raid alarm started. And then an hour later there were already the first explosions … How did the day start in Bratislava? Probably not with the sound of Russian missiles. Yet.”
This is not the first time Fico has sparked outrage with his comments. Over the weekend, he suggested that Ukraine cede territory to Russia to halt aggression, and expressed opposition to Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Fico also cast doubt on Ukraine’s sovereignty, claiming the country is “under the total influence and control of the United States”.
Ukraine promptly rejected Fico’s proposal to cede territory to Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said: “No security in Ukraine means no security in Slovakia or Europe as a whole.”
As Russian missiles struck three Ukrainian cities on Tuesday, including the two largest, at least seven people were reported dead, and apartment buildings were destroyed. The barrage included more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft, and guided missiles, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since early January. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 21 of the missiles.
While the conflict continues, with both sides unable to make significant gains on the battlefield, the fighting has shifted toward trench and artillery warfare. Analysts suggest that Russia stockpiled missiles at the end of last year to support a winter campaign of aerial bombardment.
