Czechia criticizes Slovakia's move against Russia sanctions
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
After the Slovak parliament backed a resolution calling on lawmakers not to vote for new sanctions against Russia, officials in Czechia criticized the decision and stressed the need to increase pressure on the Kremlin, reports České noviny.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that there is no reason to lift sanctions against Russia, despite the Slovak parliament's decision not to support new restrictions on Moscow.
He noted that while Czechia does not comment on the internal political decisions of its partners, Russia's delay in peace negotiations indicates the need for even stronger international pressure, including additional sanctions.
"This is about the security of European Union citizens, particularly Czechs and Slovaks. Moscow is showing no real will for peace," the Czech foreign minister stated.
In May 2025, the European Union had already adopted 17 sanction packages against Russia. To introduce new sanctions or extend existing ones, unanimous approval from all member states is required.
Although Slovakia, as an EU member, formally supports the sanctions, the political landscape in the country shifted after the victory of populist and pro-Russian forces in the 2023 elections.
As previously reported by RBC-Ukraine, on June 5, the Slovak parliament approved an initiative obliging the government of Robert Fico not to vote for new sanctions at the EU level.
Before that, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the country could veto new EU sanctions against Russia if they threaten a peaceful resolution of Russia's war against Ukraine.
However, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini stated that holding a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia simply cannot be declared.
