Slovak PM compares Ukraine to "grass" in dispute between "elephants", Kyiv responds
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised remarks made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after he claimed that Ukraine stands to suffer regardless of the outcome of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on 15 August.
Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a comment, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Earlier, Fico claimed that no matter what Trump and Putin agree at the upcoming summit, it is Ukraine that will suffer the most.
Quote from Fico: "Remember the old African saying I often repeat? Whether the elephants fight or have sex, it's always the grass that suffers. Whatever the outcome of the elephants' negotiations on 15 August, it will be the grass – in this case Ukraine – that will suffer."
Details: The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has condemned the language used.
Quote from the Foreign Ministry: "It is regrettable that the head of government of a European Union member state should allow himself to use openly offensive rhetoric against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, who are heroically fighting Russian aggression every day, holding it back on their own land in the interest of the security of all of Europe."
Details: The ministry added that Fico's remarks are at odds with the spirit of good neighbourliness, solidarity and mutual respect that the Slovak people have shown towards Ukraine throughout this time.
Quote from the Foreign Ministry: "We caution against the use of unfriendly folkloric allegories and attempts to boost one's party in the political ratings by making such remarks. This is frivolity that insults the memory of the dead, the suffering of millions of Ukrainian families, and the sacrifice made by those who are fighting for freedom."
Background:
- Fico has previously said he sees no reason to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that Zelenskyy "hates" him.
- Fico has also claimed that neutrality would be beneficial for Slovakia in the current international situation.
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