GENEVA

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that his country will not support efforts to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's military needs, arguing that such a move would only prolong the war.

His remarks came in an interview with public broadcaster STVR on Saturday as the EU considers a proposal to provide Ukraine with a €140 billion (over $160 billion) loan, financed by proceeds from immobilized Russian state assets. The plan aims to help Kyiv cover its budget deficit, expected to reach €52 billion excluding defense costs, and secure funding for weapons purchases over the next three years.

"Slovakia won't take part in any legal or financial schemes to seize frozen assets if those funds would be spent on military costs in Ukraine," Fico said in the interview.

"Do we want to end the war, or are we stoking it?" he added, criticizing the plan. "We are going to give €140 billion to Ukraine to keep the war going. So what does that mean? That the war will go on for at least another two years."

Fico, who has previously opposed sanctions on Russia and questioned military assistance to Kyiv, described his position as a "pro-peace stance."

EU leaders are expected to discuss the usage of the Russian frozen assets proposal in December, where unanimous approval will be required.