Slovakia Threatens EU Sanctions Veto Over Russian Gas Phase-Out

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to veto the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing concerns over the planned phase-out of Russian energy imports by 2028 under the RePowerEU plan. Fico warns that ending gas contracts with Russia would harm Slovakia more than Russia due to its heavy dependence on Russian energy and the risk of facing billions in penalties for breaking existing contracts with Gazprom. He insists that the energy measures should be treated as sanctions requiring unanimous approval, and Slovakia will either seek a postponement or vote against the package. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit, discussing critical issues related to the conflict, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the upcoming sanctions package aimed at pressuring Russia into peace talks. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted increased military aid to Ukraine, potentially exceeding last year's $50 billion. Additionally, Russia continues to enhance its military capabilities with AI-equipped Shahed drones supplied by Iran, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed support for continued cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency amid Iran's suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.