"Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in Brussels that while Slovakia remains ready to provide relief for Ukraine, his government will not support measures that, in his view, indirectly fund Kiev’s military operations, speaking on Monday after meetings at the European Council. "We are prepared to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but we will not finance Ukraine's war machine from our financial resources," he said. “The question of where to get money for Ukraine is central,” he said, referring to discussions on potential use of frozen Russian assets and EU financing mechanisms. Fico described the proposals under consideration as either illegal seizure of sovereign assets, or schemes that would effectively finance war, both of which he said Slovakia cannot accept. “We cannot just sit back and agree to the confiscation of 140 billion in frozen Russian assets and thus supply Ukraine with weapons. We reject that. We will not do it,” he said. “The peace plan should take precedence over the continuation of the war. Giving 140 billion to Ukraine for weapons means more killing, more war. We cannot agree. We are prepared to provide humanitarian aid, but we will not finance Ukraine’s war machine from our financial resources,” he added. Fico also outlined Slovakia’s broader approach to EU policy, emphasising the need for realistic measures to address high energy prices and protect key domestic industries. He welcomed the European Council’s recent conclusions, saying the Union is showing leadership and reaffirming the need for a coordinated approach across member states. The Slovak Prime Minister, who returned to office in late 2023, has taken a more cautious stance on EU sanctions against Russia and military support to Ukraine. He has repeatedly stressed that Slovakia will prioritise humanitarian assistance over financing arms shipments."