Slovakia Refuses to Support New Sanctions Against Russia 0 13

Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár stated on Monday in Luxembourg that Slovakia demands written guarantees from EU leaders regarding the reduction of energy prices and the protection of the automotive industry before agreeing to the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. "Therefore, we are in close contact with the European Commission and are working on the final document [of the summit]," the minister explained.

On Monday, the EU Foreign Affairs Council took place in Luxembourg, where further support for Ukraine and measures to deter Russia were discussed.

Austria, which until recently also did not support the new sanctions package, abandoned its demands over the weekend — to save an Austrian bank with two billion euros from frozen Russian assets — and agreed to impose sanctions. Thus, Slovakia remained the only EU country opposing the new restrictive measures.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže emphasized on Monday in Luxembourg that Slovakia's veto is unacceptable, pointing out that cars and sanctions against Russia are completely different issues. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys also expressed disappointment with Slovakia's position.

EU foreign ministers on Monday also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, commenting on reports that U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly urged Ukraine to concede territory to Russia, noted that if Russia gets what it wants, it will send a dangerous signal to other aggressors around the world.

Braže reminded that the EU has a geopolitical trump card — frozen Russian assets worth over 200 billion euros. "Everyone understands that these assets will not return to Russia," she added.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that these funds will be used to assist Ukraine in purchasing weapons. This step is expected to be taken by the end of the year.