Slovakia considers referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia, says PM Fico
Photo: Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico (Getty Images)
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico says the country is considering lifting future sanctions against Russia. Slovakia may hold a referendum on the issue.
During an interview, Fico responded to a reporter's question about calls in Slovakia to hold a referendum to repeal sanctions against Russia.
"I don't think a referendum is necessary on this matter. But if such a referendum takes place, I will support it," the Slovak Prime Minister said.
Fico believes that Russia has adapted to the sanctions over time. He said that currently, these restrictions only harm Europe.
The Prime Minister expressed his personal support for the pursuit of peace. He also noted that the recent proposals to quickly approve a large package of sanctions against Russia seem inappropriate to him.
According to Fico, such sanctions only deepen the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"I have always said that we will monitor whether sanctions harm the Slovak Republic. If there are any sanctions that could harm Slovakia, we will veto them," Fico concluded.
Notably, in early May, a petition was launched in Slovakia demanding a referendum on lifting sanctions against Russia.
According to the petition's organizers, nearly 400,000 citizens have signed the document.
Fico supports Russia
Last week, Slovakia's Prime Minister promised Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would use his veto power to block a ban on energy supplies from Russia to the European Union.
In addition, in March, Fico stated that Slovakia could veto new European Union sanctions against Russia if they threaten a peaceful resolution of Russia's war against Ukraine.
