Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, on Saturday declared that neighboring Ukraine is not a sovereign state but is instead under the control of the United States.
The populist politician, who opposes military aid to war-torn Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, also reiterated his opposition to Ukraine becoming part of NATO.
"Ukraine is not an independent and sovereign country," Fico stated on the television channel RTVS.
"Ukraine is totally influenced and controlled by the USA."
Slovakia is a member of both NATO and the EU.
Fico is set to meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, on Wednesday in Uzhhorod, located in western Ukraine near the Slovak border.
"I will tell him that I am against Ukraine's membership in NATO, and I will veto it. It will only lay the groundwork for a third world war, nothing else," said Fico.
"I will confirm that he will not receive weapons from the Slovak military or the state."
Furthermore, Fico accused Ukraine of being "one of the most corrupt nations in the world."
"Only the gods know how much of the aid sent to you disappears," he added.
He argued that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict, which began nearly two years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine.
He believes that Ukraine needs to cede territory to end the war.
"There needs to be a compromise, which is going to be painful for both sides."
"And what are they waiting for? For the Russians to leave the country? That's unrealistic," he said.
Slovakia is one of the most pro-Russian countries in the EU, according to a report from a Slovak think tank published in 2023.
Despite Fico's criticism of Ukraine, it was only Hungary that vetoed an EU package of 50 million euros to Ukraine in December.
Fico assumed power in Slovakia in October last year. He has previously served as prime minister several times.
