The prime minister of Slovakia Robert Fitzo He insisted today that life for residents in the Ukrainian capital is “absolutely normal” as “there is no war going on in Kiev”, even though Russian forces had launched missile attacks in the area just hours earlier.

Since taking office in October, the Slovak prime minister has cut his country’s military aid to Ukraine, while relations between the two countries have soured over inflammatory comments by Fico, who questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty and argued that Kiev should seek compromise with Moscow to end the war.

Ahead of his visit to the city tomorrow Uzhhorod in western Ukrainewhere he will meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Smichal, reporters asked Fitzo whether it would be a more appropriate choice to visit Kiev to form an opinion on the war that has been raging for almost two years.

The answer of the Slovak prime minister was: “Why go to Kiev when I can meet the Ukrainian prime minister in Uzhhorod?” I don’t see a difference.”

“Do you really believe there is a war going on Kyiv; You’ve got to be kidding me! Please, I hope you are not serious. Go there and you will find that life is normal in the city, absolutely normal,” the Slovak prime minister continued.

Robert Fitzow emphasized that everything possible must be done to “stop the fighting”. But, he added that they will not stop with more arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Slovakia’s prime minister backs Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union but has vowed to block its entry into the NATO.