"After the end of the war in Ukraine, Slovakia plans to resume economic and standard relations with Russia."
This was stated by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during an appearance on the RTVS television channel.
Like his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban, Fico has consistently criticised Western military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
"If the war ends during my mandate, I will do everything I can to restore economic and standard relations with Russia. The EU needs Russia and Russia needs the EU. Friendly relations with Ukraine will also be very important for us," he added.
Despite his controversial rhetoric, the Slovak prime minister often avoids going against the EU consensus in practical steps - something Budapest is notorious for.
While promising that Slovakia would not provide "a single cartridge" to Ukraine, Fico allowed the continuation of commercial military sales to Kiev.
Fico also expressed hope that Ukraine would remain a transit country for Russian exports flowing to Europe.
Although Ukraine is a key hub for Russian gas coming into the EU, its contract with Russia's Gazprom expires at the end of 2024 and there are no plans to extend it.
Slovakia also continues to buy Russian oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline, which also leads to Ukraine. Bratislava is one of the few capitals allowed to continue buying Russian oil through the pipeline as part of an EU-wide effort to move away from Russian imports. | BGNES
