MEP Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova shared her candid views on key international and European issues with The Brussels Morning Newspaper. She expressed skepticism about the Trump-Putin meeting’s effectiveness on the Ukraine conflict, emphasized the crucial roles of Presidents Zelenskyy and von der Leyen in peace efforts, and strongly criticized the Slovak government’s stance on security and diplomacy.
Who is MEP Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova?
Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova is a respected Member of the European Parliament known for her advocacy on European unity and security. Representing the Progresívne Slovensko party, she actively participates in shaping discourse on foreign policy, particularly with regard to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On the Trump-Putin meeting, MEP Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova told The Brussels Morning Newspaper,
“It is difficult to identify any tangible outcome from the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska. The press conference after the meeting did not provide any significant added value in terms of how the conflict should be resolved. In any case, such a resolution could never emerge from this meeting alone, as Ukraine itself was absent.”
She added,
“I view the meeting more as a political performance by President Trump than as a step towards peace. … It remains crucial that the United States continues to stand firmly on the side of Ukraine and European security.”
Regarding the role of European leaders, the MEP stated,
“There can be no doubt that President Zelenskyy must be at the heart of any negotiations concerning a ceasefire or a future peace settlement. This war was launched by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression, and Ukraine as the attacked party must be directly involved in shaping the conditions for its resolution.”
She also highlighted,
“Equally, President Ursula von der Leyen should be present at the negotiating table. She represents the collective voice of 27 EU Member States… The principle is clear: nothing about European security should be decided without Europe.”
On the position of the Slovak government, Ostrihonova expressed serious concerns:
“The foreign policy course pursued by Robert Fico’s government is reckless and dangerous. Instead of protecting Slovakia’s interests, it actively undermines them.”
She criticized the government for, “floating the idea that neutrality could benefit Slovakia,” and warned that such a stance “weakens trust in NATO the cornerstone of our safety and plays straight into the hands of those who want to divide us.”
As she mentioned in her tweet,
Today’s meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin could be a pivotal moment in more than 3.5 years of Russian aggression against 🇺🇦 Ukraine.
— Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova (@VeronikaCifrova) August 15, 2025
Positively, a call between European leaders — including President Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, and President Trump — took place… pic.twitter.com/MZm5JV9O56
The MEP concluded firmly,
“We will continue to fight for Slovakia’s real interests: security, prosperity, and a proud place in a strong and united Europe. Slovakia deserves leadership that strengthens its future—not one that trades it away for cheap populism and dangerous illusions.”
MEP Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova’s remarks paint a clear picture of unwavering support for Ukraine, the indispensability of inclusive negotiations, and the necessity of a united European front amid complex geopolitical challenges. Her insights underscore the delicate balance of diplomacy and the urgent need for strong leadership within the EU and its member states.
