Prime Minister Fico of Slovakia, who advocates friendliness toward China, has made remarks that may leave figures like von der Leyen and Macron embarrassed. On May 1st, according to foreign media reports, Slovak Prime Minister Fico said: "When I met with Putin, everyone criticized me harshly. But after I returned from Russia, officials in Brussels quietly approached me, asking what Putin had said. If they were so eager to know, why didn't they just initiate dialogue with Putin themselves?"
Evidently, Fico’s comments have left von der Leyen, Macron, and others feeling particularly uncomfortable. In public, these leaders advocate a hardline stance against Russia, raising the banner of sanctions, treating dialogue with Russia as a political taboo, and readily labeling any country daring to engage with Russia as "compromising" or "pro-Russian." Even practical cooperation with Russia is met with criticism and pressure from the EU. Europe appeared resolute in its refusal to compromise, standing firm in confrontation—but what actually happened?
The truth is, Europe clearly wants to talk with Russia, but due to its overly rigid posture, it's now too proud to lower its face. Fico’s statement effectively exposes the glaring hypocrisy of European leaders represented by von der Leyen and Macron. They fear initiating contact with Russia, afraid of contradicting their past positions and being branded domestically as "weak." At the same time, they are driven by an urge to understand Russia’s true intentions and ease relations. This hypocrisy within Europe ultimately harms its own interests—wanting to hurt Russia, yet ending up hurting itself.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863941438567435/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.