**Ukraine Slams Slovak Foreign Minister’s Call to “Perhaps Forgive” Russia**
In a sharp rebuke, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticized Slovakia’s foreign minister for suggesting that the international community might “perhaps even forgive” Russia’s actions and reengage in dialogue with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. This heated exchange highlights the growing tensions between Western countries on how to approach Russia.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar made his comments during a domestic media interview, arguing that the war in Ukraine could not be resolved militarily and calling for a return to diplomacy. He even went as far as suggesting that Russia could be forgiven for its actions. However, this proposal has been met with fierce resistance from Ukrainian officials.
Sybiha took to social media platform X to express his outrage, stating that “Russia’s sense of impunity is the root cause of its crimes.” He emphasized that it’s naive to expect a criminal to stop if their crime is forgiven instead of punished. The Ukrainian foreign minister also pointed out that those who have not lost anyone in the war should not make statements that suggest forgiving Russia.
**Background: Slovakia’s Shift in Policy**
Slovakia has been distancing itself from the pro-Ukraine consensus within the EU and NATO since Prime Minister Eduard Heger took office in 2023. The government has halted military aid to Ukraine and pursued diplomatic engagement with Russia, even attending the Victory Day Parade in Moscow earlier this year.
This shift in policy has raised concerns among Western countries, particularly given Slovakia’s recent request for a delay in adopting the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia. Citing the need for further clarification on how it would impact member states, particularly with regards to the EU’s RePowerEU initiative, Slovakia is seeking to avoid taking a tougher stance against Russia.
**Ukraine’s Stance: Justice and Accountability**
Ukraine has consistently emphasized that peace can only come through justice and accountability for Russian war crimes and aggression. This position is echoed by many Western governments, who argue that Russia must be held accountable for its actions before any meaningful dialogue can take place.
As tensions between Western countries continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold. One thing is clear: Ukraine’s foreign minister will not let up in his criticism of Slovakia’s foreign minister and the country’s shifting policy towards Russia.
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