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In a recent social media video, Robert Fico, the winner of Slovakia\u2019s election and leader of the Smer party, stood firm on his stance regarding Ukraine despite threats from the leader of the European Socialists, Stefan L\u00f6fven.<\/p>\n
Fico dismissed L\u00f6fven’s warnings as “blackmail” and expressed his readiness to face exclusion from the EU-affiliated group if it meant upholding his party’s views.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIf our exclusion from the international party is to be a price for pursuing a genuine left-wing agenda in Slovakia and voicing sovereign opinions, we are prepared to pay such a price.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> EU warned as new pro-Putin PM could team up with member state against Ukraine<\/strong><\/p>\n L\u00f6fven had warned that if Slovakia’s government continues its current rhetoric on Ukraine, he would consider initiating the expulsion process.<\/p>\n Fico criticised L\u00f6fven’s words as “undemocratic and authoritarian” and reiterated his party’s condemnation of Russia’s use of force in Ukraine.<\/p>\n Despite this, Fico stressed that their position on “peace in Ukraine” would remain unchanged.<\/p>\n