Slovakia Threatens to Veto EU Sanctions Against Russia

Slovakia Threatens Veto on EU Sanctions Against Russia BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – June 11, 2025 – Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a stark warning to the European Union, threatening to veto a new sanctions package against Russia. This move stems from Slovakia's substantial reliance on Russian energy resources. The country is heavily dependent on Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, making it particularly vulnerable to economic repercussions from sanctions. "The Slovak Republic does not support the proposed 18th sanctions package against the Russian Federation," Fico stated in a recent Facebook post. He emphasized that the EU Commission has not provided a viable solution to address the crisis situation created by the potential disruption of these crucial supplies. This contrasts sharply with the EU's stated aim of pressuring Russia to end its aggression in Ukraine. The EU Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, proposed the sanctions package on Tuesday. It includes a ban on transactions involving Nord Stream 1 and 2, pipelines that currently are not operational. Von der Leyen also suggested lowering the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. These measures aim to further restrict Russia's access to the European market and reduce its revenue stream. While Slovakia has consistently voiced concerns about the impact of previous sanctions, its threat to veto this package marks a significant escalation. The country's deep dependence on Russian energy creates a complex geopolitical dynamic, forcing the EU to balance its commitment to supporting Ukraine with the need to maintain economic stability within its own member states. The situation underscores the challenges faced by the EU in maintaining unity and effectiveness in its response to the ongoing conflict.