Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has publicly criticized the European Union's continued sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that these measures are counterproductive and detrimental to EU member states. He believes that the EU should prioritize addressing its own internal challenges rather than imposing further punishment on Moscow. Fico's stance marks a significant divergence from that of many other EU members who have supported sending arms to Ukraine and have advocated for stricter sanctions against Russia since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.

Fico expressed that the previous sanctions packages had yielded no tangible benefits to the EU, asserting that they have only resulted in self-inflicted pain. He characterized the EU's current economic trends as 'worrying,' criticizing the declining competitiveness faced by many member states as they grapple with the fallout from these policies. His remarks are particularly notable given Slovakia's historically more cautious approach in terms of providing military support to Ukraine.

As Fico prepares to attend an informal EU summit, he plans to urge his fellow leaders to prioritize pressing domestic issues over sanctions against Russia. This statement highlights his government's unique position within the EU framework and raises questions regarding the cohesion and future direction of EU policy, especially in relation to Russia, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.