"There are no values. This is a clear battle between the great powers and the only solution is to establish a balance of power in the world," Fico addressed the country's parliament, the National Council, ahead of Thursday's informal EU summit in Brussels.
The prime minister emphasized that apart from maintaining a single line with the European union, the Slovak delegation will protect its national interests as well.
According to the Slovak news agency, Fico said Wednesday the anti-Russia sanctions adopted over the course of 2014 changed next to nothing, as witnessed by the continued bloodshed and escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine.
"If that [power balance] does not take place, Ukraine will become the subject of long-term military conflict," Fico warned, adding that sanctions damaged not only diplomatic ties with Russia, but also the European economy overall.
The Slovak prime minister outlined his stance against arming Ukraine, but said he was unable to prevent other NATO member states from doing so.
Fico added that as tensions increase and discussions of weapons supplies to Ukraine are under way, the country's National Security Authority in Bratislava will convene to reinforce its eastern border.
On Monday, the EU foreign ministers adopted an expanded package of restrictive measures aimed at 19 individuals, including five Russian citizens, and nine additional entities. Depending on the outcome of conflict resolution talks in Minsk, Belarus, the restriction package may come into force next Monday, February 16.
