Slovakia's Fico Pledges to Block EU Measures Financing Ukraine's Military

His refusal confronts a European Commission push to tap frozen Russian assets for Kyiv at next week's summit.

Overview

Robert Fico said he will not back any proposal at the Dec. 18–19 Brussels meeting that supports Ukraine's military spending.
He disclosed an hour-long phone call with European Council President António Costa focused on Ukraine and funding plans.
He sharply criticized transferring blocked Russian assets in the EU for military purposes in Ukraine.
He confirmed sending a letter to the European Council president outlining Slovakia's stance ahead of the summit.
He said Slovakia would support Ukraine's reconstruction only through bilateral agreements, as the Commission seeks a summit decision on roughly €210 billion in Russian assets, including about €185 billion held at Euroclear in Belgium.