Slovakia’s International Minister Juraj Blanar has instructed that the worldwide group could must “maybe” forgive Russia’s actions and resume dialogue with Moscow as a method to finish the warfare in Ukraine.
His remarks got here after Slovakia requested that the adoption of the 18th package of EU sanctions towards Russia be postponed till a call is made on the implications for the member states from RePowerEU, the European Fee’s initiative to finish dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Blanar, chatting with home media, mentioned the continuing warfare can’t be resolved on the battlefield and confused the significance of diplomacy and worldwide legislation. “Allow us to return to respect for worldwide legislation and search methods to speak with the Russian Federation,” he said on June 29. “And even perhaps forgive every part that has occurred.”
The feedback mark one other instance of how Slovakia’s present management is diverging from the broader pro-Ukraine stance of the EU and NATO.
Below Prime Minister Robert Fico, Bratislava has adopted a extra conciliatory tone towards Moscow, together with persevering with diplomatic engagement whereas most Western nations lower ties following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
Earlier this yr, Fico attended Russia’s Victory Day Parade in Moscow, the place he met with President Vladimir Putin. Nonetheless, he dismissed the thought of participating with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I see no reason to meet with the Ukrainian president,” Fico mentioned in a current interview with Slovak broadcaster STVR. “My assembly with President Zelensky has no significance as a result of he hates me,” he added. Zelensky has not but responded to Fico’s claims.
Whereas Fico halted Slovak army assist for Ukraine upon taking workplace in 2023, he has paradoxically voiced assist for Ukraine’s European Union membership. “Ukraine’s EU membership brings extra benefits than disadvantages for Slovakia,” the prime minister mentioned.
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