Bloomberg reported on Monday that Slovakian former Prime Minister Robert Fico is planning to make a comeback that is likely to raise questions about the country's future foreign policy direction and its standing within the broader European political arena.

In 2018, Robert Fico, the longest-serving prime minister of Slovakia, was forced out of office amid widespread protests and allegations of corruption.

Despite facing numerous setbacks, including the loss of key allies and a decline in his party's popularity, Fico is now attempting to make a political comeback.

He is capitalizing on concerns surrounding the conflict in Ukraine to garner support for the upcoming Slovakian election on September 30.

Fico's platform includes promises to cease military aid to Ukraine, oppose Ukraine's NATO membership, and criticize both the Western world and Slovakia's president.

Should Fico return to power, it could have significant ramifications for Slovakia's foreign policy, potentially straining its cooperation with NATO and the EU.

Fico's victory could also strengthen the influence of Hungary's Viktor Orban, who opposes sanctions and arms shipments to Ukraine.

Despite previously aligning more closely with the EU, Fico's resurgence could push Slovakia toward a more isolated position within the European political landscape.

Currently, Fico's party leads in opinion polls, but the political landscape is fragmented, with smaller parties likely playing a pivotal role in forming a government.

Fico's political career has been marked by ideological shifts and allegations of corruption, with his popularity reaching its peak in 2012.

Read more: US, Ukraine at risk of losing pro-war European country; Slovakia

On September 30, Slovakia is scheduled to hold snap parliamentary elections, where the Direction – Social Democracy party (Smer) is expected to win and garner 20% of the votes.

Slovakia has been a generous provider of arms to Ukraine since the war broke out. Bratislava's military packages included S-300 air defense systems, Mig-29 fighter jets, and Howitzer self-propelled artillery, in addition to serving as a hub for the transport of weapons provided by NATO members to Kiev and a maintenance station for military hardware damaged in Ukraine.

During his campaign, Fico vowed that if his party wins the elections, Slovakia "will not send a single bullet to Ukraine" and take a different position. "I allow myself to have a different opinion to that of the United States [on the war]," as reported by UnHerd. 

"War always comes from the West and peace from the East," he stressed during one of his campaign speeches.

Fico also called out the US for profiteering from the conflict that is claiming innocent lives and draining countries' military hardware.

Read more: Europe thinking twice about Ukraine aid ahead of regional elections