Germany asks Slovakia to support EU sanctions against Russia more firmly

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Slovakia to more actively support the European Union’s measures against Russia, including sanctions and giving up Russian energy. The appeal was made on Tuesday in Bratislava, during talks with his Slovak counterpart, Juraj Blanar, according to dpa.

The two officials reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine. Wadephul argued that more pressure on Moscow is needed, accusing Russia of “showing no signs that it wants peace,” while Ukraine has “repeatedly expressed its willingness to end the war.”

The German minister warned that the European Union “cannot afford” individual member states blocking sanctions and described as irresponsible any dispute over the fact that Vladimir Putin’s military imperialism represents the greatest threat to Europe.

Juraj Blanar condemned the Russian invasion but reiterated Bratislava’s position that there is no military solution and that dialogue with Moscow is inevitable. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government frequently criticizes European sanctions and supports maintaining energy ties with Russia, according to dpa.

Blanar explained that Slovakia depends on infrastructure built for imports of Russian energy. Bratislava is seeking alternatives, including gas from Algeria and oil via the Adriatic pipeline, but the available capacities are insufficient.