Slovak PM Robert Fico has announced that his country will approve the EU's sanctions package against Russia after blocking the measure six times.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says his country is ready to support the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, after previously blocking the measure six times. The decision was influenced by European Commission guarantees on Slovakia's energy transition. Fico recognized that maintaining the blockade no longer served national interests and proposed using EU funds to offset rising gas prices. The shift reflects a break with traditional EU policies and a rapprochement with Russia.