Slovak PM Fico threatens to veto 20th EU sanctions on Russia
Robert Fico (photo: Getty Images)
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that he will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia if Brussels does not pressure Ukraine to restore Russian oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, according to Ta3.
The media reports that in a video address, Fico criticized the European Commission and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
"Following the halt of gas transit, this is now the second openly hostile and economically harmful move by Zelenskyy against Slovakia. The European Commission has done nothing to make the Ukrainian president take action," the Slovak premier said.
He also accused the EU of double standards, claiming that it prioritizes Ukraine's interests over those of EU member states.
Fico added that Slovakia had received a "letter of threats" from Brussels regarding measures to protect its domestic fuel market, while Ukraine received "letters full of love and understanding."
Against this backdrop, the Slovak prime minister threatened to block the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions and Ukraine's EU accession.
"If the European Commission intends to continue acting in this manner, placing Ukraine's interests above Slovakia's, it should forget about our support for the 20th sanctions package against the Russian Federation or our assistance in fast-tracking Ukraine's EU membership," he concluded.
Fico's other comments on Ukraine
Earlier in March, Fico met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss restoring the Druzhba pipeline and to convince her that it is operational.
On March 19, he complained that the entire European Council summit discussion focused on Ukraine, yet no progress had been made on resuming Russian oil deliveries.
He also previously warned that Slovakia would block a $90 billion EU loan to Ukraine if inspectors were not allowed to examine the damaged Druzhba pipeline.
