BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia expressed his frustration on Friday in response to the criticism from the British ambassador regarding his recent interview with Russia’s state-owned television network, Rossiya 1. Fico emphasized that “Slovakia is not Britain’s colony,” asserting his country’s independence in foreign affairs.

In a video statement released by his office while he was visiting China, Fico commented, “I am not sure what gives you the right to meddle in my media engagements.” He went on to address Ambassador Nigel Baker, asserting that representing a larger country does not excuse what he termed “unacceptable behavior” and urged the ambassador to refrain from interfering in the sovereign foreign policy of Slovakia.

During his interview on the Russian channel, Fico criticized the support provided by Western nations to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. He reiterated his belief that this support prolongs the war and accused European countries of lacking a genuine interest in achieving a peaceful resolution.

In response, Ambassador Baker expressed his disappointment on the social media platform X, stating that Fico’s decision to engage with a presenter who is under sanctions from the UK and the EU was regrettable. He rejected Fico’s assertion that the West is uninterested in peace, arguing that the quickest path to peace involves the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

Fico returned to the political forefront last year when his left-leaning party, Smer (Direction), captured parliamentary power on a platform that emphasized pro-Russian and anti-American sentiments. His stance on the Ukraine conflict and several other issues markedly contrasts with prevailing European views. Notably, he terminated military assistance to Ukraine, opposed EU sanctions against Russia, and aims to block Ukraine’s NATO membership.

During the interview, Fico expressed his desire to attend a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, slated for May 9 next year, which drew significant attention and disapproval.

Fico’s interview has been met with condemnation from opposition leaders in Slovakia as well as politicians across the border in the Czech Republic.