Slovak PM: US approval of strikes against Russia undermines peace efforts
BRATISLAVA- US President Joe Biden’s approval of long-range missile strikes by the US inside Russia, from territory controlled by Ukraine, marks an “unprecedented escalation” and presents a significant obstacle to peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated.
“This is an unprecedented escalation of tensions, a decision that derails any hopes for initiating peace talks and halting the mutual killing of Slavs in Ukraine,” Reuters quoted Fico’s words. The prime minister also expressed strong disapproval of the US administration’s stance. “Those who support US President [Joe] Biden’s decision are effectively endorsing the start of World War III,” Fico added.
“I instructed Slovakia’s Foreign Minister [Juraj] Blanar and Defense Minister [Robert] Kaliniak to oppose this decision by the United States in every possible manner when engaging in international forums,” the prime minister declared in a video message posted on his Facebook page (owned by Meta Corporation, which is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia). The intent behind such a move is clear – it was made “to completely disrupt or delay any peace talks” aimed at ending the “mutual killing of Slavs in Ukraine,” he explained.
Fico was shocked by how quickly some European states expressed support for the Biden administration’s decision. “This clearly shows that the European Union (EU) is incapable of adopting an independent, moral stance on key issues when shaping its foreign policy, and that the West is determined to extend the war in Ukraine at any cost,” Fico said.
The decision made by outgoing Joe Biden will have a significant effect on US President-elect Donald Trump, who had openly expressed interest in negotiating peace in Ukraine. “Slovakia shares a border with Ukraine and sincerely wishes for peace to return to that country,” the prime minister said, adding that those in Slovakia who support escalating the conflict are undermining their own national and strategic interests.
Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok remarked that “launching missiles into Russian territory will only result in further loss of life and escalate the conflict.” He described the potential use of US, British, and French long-range missiles against Russia as “an enormous risk.” “I strongly oppose this action by our [Slovakia’s] allies. I consider it perilous for both Ukraine and Slovakia,” the politician said, calling for the immediate initiation of negotiations for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
Strikes by US long-range weapons deep inside Russia
The New York Times reported on November 17 that US President Joe Biden had authorized the use of US-supplied ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for strikes inside Russia. Meanwhile, the France-based Le Figaro newspaper reported that France and the UK had granted similar authorization for the use of their SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles. However, the daily later retracted this statement from its article on the website without explanation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot clarified that Paris had not altered its position on strikes deep into Russia, explaining that the possibility was still being reviewed. London has not yet issued any official comments. The German government confirmed that the United States had informed Berlin of its decision to authorize strikes deep inside Russian territory.
Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that the US administration had lifted restrictions on US-supplied missiles, allowing them to be used for strikes up to 300 kilometers inside Russia. He noted that the issue had been discussed at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, but no collective decision was reached, leaving each member state to determine its own stance.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reminded that Moscow’s position on strikes by US missiles deep inside Russian territory had been clearly outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin in September. Peskov emphasized that this decision marked a “qualitatively new phase” of tensions.
Source: Tass