The vote on the next package of sanctions against Russia should be postponed until the issue of Russian gas supplies is resolved, said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Denník N reports. According to him, he instructed Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár to ask to postpone the vote on the package of sanctions at the summit on Wednesday. “Slovakia has no reason to suffer because of Ukraine,” the Prime Minister added.

The European Union may approve the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation as early as next week. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, despite Bratislava’s resistance, negotiations on sanctions will begin in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU countries in Brussels. Merz also thanked the European Commission for initiating proposals for the 18th package of sanctions. Meanwhile, Slovakia has promised to disrupt the vote on new sanctions against Russia. Fico said that Bratislava’s support can only be enlisted if it is provided with a practical solution to the problems that will arise if the supply of Russian resources is stopped.