The actions of the U.S., Israel, and Zelenskyy should make the EU "come to its senses" regarding Russia – Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has sharply criticized the foreign policies of the West and Ukraine, stating that the actions of Washington, Jerusalem, and Kyiv will force the European Union to reconsider its stance toward Russia. According to the Slovak leader, the EU must shed its “ideological blinders” and change its approach to Moscow. 

This was stated in a video address by the politician.

Fico’s main point of dissatisfaction was energy security. He announced that Slovakia is filing a lawsuit against the EU over plans to permanently halt Russian gas supplies in October of next year. The prime minister emphasized that such a move has no rational justification and threatens the region’s stability. He also confirmed his intention to block new sanctions packages against Russia, making the resumption of the Druzhba oil pipeline by President Zelenskyy a condition.

Fico accused the Ukrainian authorities of using the pipeline shutdown as a tool of political influence. According to him, Slovakia is forced to defend its own interests on its own, as assistance from partners cannot be expected during a crisis. This position of the Slovak government once again demonstrates a rift within the EU regarding support for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on Russia. Bratislava’s pro-Russian rhetoric continues to complicate the adoption of joint European decisions in the fields of security and energy.

Slovakia will file a lawsuit with the EU Court in the coming days seeking to ban Russian gas imports.

Bratislava is prepared to block new sanctions against Russia until oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, but will not stand in the way of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.