This decision comes after Slovakia previously vetoed the sanctions to secure assurances against potential damages linked to the cessation of Russian gas imports by 2028.

Slovakia will stop blocking the approval of the 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia on Friday, Prime Minister Robert Fico said.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that he has instructed the country's representatives in the European Union to support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, saying that he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had agreed on guarantees for Slovakia concerning gas prices.