https://video.echelon.pl/videos/watch/2f9f8e87-2bea-4bdf-8023-7f75e3df6ed1 Slovakian PM Robert Fico’s remark that he would not want to see his country go to war “because of some Article 5” has raised concerns about NATO cohesion. “This is an example of Robert Fico strategy. What I call ‘sovereignty-maxxing,’” said Stuart Dowell, TVP World’s Political Editor, explaining that it essentially means balancing between the world’s great and middle powers. “And in that way, he increases Slovakia’s sovereignty.” “But his comments about Article 5 are a definite escalation. I mean, this is quite serious stuff,” he said, adding that Fico’s comment appears to be motivated by domestic concerns, specifically the loss of some supporters in favor of the far-right Republika, which is more openly pro-Russian and anti-EU and anti-NATO. All this amid growing concerns about NATO cohesion in the face of increasingly brazen Russian provocations. “And yet here is Robert Fico, actually, saying these things even before a provocation has happened. So it must be very disappointing for NATO allies,” Dowell said, but added that Fico’s stance is driven more by pragmatism than ideology. “I would say he has a practical approach to Ukraine,” he said, noting Fico’s opposition to military aid and Ukrainian NATO membership. “But he does broadly support Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union. He allows commercial weapons sales to Ukraine. And he also meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Dowell said, adding that Fico has also shown a willingness to compromise on Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions. Join TVP World’s Ashim Kumar and his guest as they explore whether Fico’s comments reveal deeper divisions within NATO, how Russia may exploit disagreements within the Alliance, and why eastern-flank countries are strengthening regional security cooperation. " 🔴 Watch our 24/7 livestream - https://youtube.com/live/9RY46AUtIl4 Bringing you all the latest daily news and updates, TVP World is Poland's first English-language channel where you can find world news as seen from the Polish perspective and the latest news from the CEE region. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. https://tvpworld.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tvpworldcom https://twitter.com/TVPWorld_com https://www.instagram.com/tvp_world/ https://www.threads.net/@tvp_world https://bsky.app/profile/tvpworld.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@tvpworld.com https://t.me/tvp_world #Slovakia #Fico #NATO Wed, 23 Sep 2026 04:28:17 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://video.echelon.pl https://video.echelon.pl/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://video.echelon.pl/videos/watch/2f9f8e87-2bea-4bdf-8023-7f75e3df6ed1 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://video.echelon.pl/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.