Slovakia to withhold support for 18th round of EU sanctions against Russia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has confirmed that Slovakia will not support the 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia during the vote scheduled for June 27.

“Tomorrow, Slovakia will not vote for the 18th package of sanctions," Fico stated firmly, speaking ahead of the EU summit in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Fico explained that any decision on further sanctions should be postponed until there is clarity on the potential suspension of Russian energy supplies to the European Union. He emphasised that unresolved questions about energy security should take precedence over additional punitive measures.

Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas revealed that the core focus of the 18th sanctions package would be the energy sector, particularly new restrictions on Russian oil through adjustments to the existing price cap.

The European Commission is also reportedly pushing for a complete ban on Russian gas imports and is exploring legal mechanisms within EU trade law to bypass expected vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.

Slovakia has consistently voiced concerns over new sanctions, warning that further restrictions could lead to a total loss of critical supplies such as Russian oil, gas, and nuclear fuel, for which Slovakia currently lacks viable alternatives. Given that EU sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states, Slovakia’s opposition could derail the package entirely.

Hungary has also signalled its intention to block the 18th sanctions package, aligning with Slovakia in its opposition to additional energy-related restrictions.

The 17th package of EU sanctions was approved by the EU Council on 20 May. Immediately following its adoption, Kaja Kallas announced the commencement of work on the 18th round, saying that the continued tightening of measures aims to push Russia toward seeking peace.

By Tamilla Hasanova