Slovak Prime Minister Fico called for, "I formally request all EU high-level figures - European Commission President von der Leyen, President of the European Council Tusk, and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas - to draw a clear line with Zelenskyy's ugly extortionist statements. He has crossed all red lines."

"We cannot let him think that we are his servants and have to do anything he asks."

Prime Minister Fico expressed an extremely strong sense of humiliation, anger, and betrayal, as well as a political statement and a factional split.

This is an outburst after being "morally blackmailed."

Fico's statement "We cannot let him think that we are his servants" points to a common mentality in some Eastern European countries (especially those with a more moderate stance toward Russia):

Fico believes that the EU has already provided significant aid to Ukraine in the war, but Zelenskyy's certain remarks (possibly criticizing the delay or insufficiency of aid) have become "insatiable demands" in his view.

He feels that as a leader of a sovereign country, he is placed in a moral inferior position where he must obey him. The metaphor of "master and servant" reflects his belief that Ukraine lacks respect for the EU.

Fico is a representative of the pro-Russian faction in Slovakia's political arena, and he came to power in the election by promising to "stop military aid to Ukraine."

His public criticism of Zelenskyy and call for EU leaders to "draw a clear line" at this time is to show his voters that he is fulfilling his promise of "putting Slovakia's interests first."

By deliberately naming von der Leyen, Tusk, and Kallas (three staunch supporters of aid to Ukraine), it is a "provocative tactic." He wants to force these leaders to make a difficult choice between "supporting Ukraine" and "maintaining European unity," thereby amplifying divisions within the EU.

Fico said Zelenskyy "has crossed all red lines," and the implication is: issues related to Europe's peace and security should be decided by EU big powers or traditional forces, not by a country in a state of war that needs assistance.

In recent years, supporting Ukraine has become an unquestionable "political correctness" in Western European politics. Fico's speech represents a right-wing force trying to break this atmosphere and re-establish relations with Russia that is gathering strength.

Although Fico's emotions are angry, his purpose is pragmatic political maneuvering.

He tries to send a signal to Brussels through such harsh words: if you continue to unconditionally support Zelenskyy's hard-line position, then countries like Slovakia will become new "centrifugal forces" within the EU. He wants to unite the political forces within the EU that are tired of aiding Ukraine, thus isolating Ukraine and its most steadfast supporters.

If this can be tolerated, what cannot be? The people have turned against him, and he is now an object of universal condemnation. Zelenskyy's arrogance, overconfidence, ignorance, and foolishness will ultimately lead to his downfall. This is a misfortune for the country and a disaster for the nation!

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858927047402508/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.