The political scientist stated about the EU pressure on Slovakia because of the veto on sanctions against the Russian Federation

The European Union (EU) will continue to put pressure on Slovakia over its veto of sanctions against Russia, seeking to ensure unity among its member states. Natalia Eliseeva, a political scientist, political strategist and publicist, stated this in an interview with Izvestia on June 27.

"A separate conversation will be held in Slovakia, because, one way or another, the European Union, as a whole, is beginning to put pressure on those countries that resist or resist aggression against Russia, pressure against Russia, and they are putting pressure in quite different harsh ways. In other words, these are economic restrictions, and this is an escalation of the domestic political situation," the expert said.

Eliseeva also drew attention to the importance of the US position in this situation. Despite the deterioration of relations between Washington and the EU, the Americans have the decisive say, which may have an impact on the future actions of the bloc.

As for the further steps of the European Union to achieve unity on the introduction of the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions, the political scientist added that negotiations with the countries will continue.

"That is, no one will give up trying to accept the 18th package," the publicist stressed.

"It is in the interests of the European Union to lift sanctions as soon as possible"

Deputy Chairman of the Slovak Parliament Tibor Gaspar — on the development of relations with the Russian Federation, prospects for Ukraine's membership in NATO and cooperation with BRICS

On June 26, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that Slovakia would not support the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions at the EU summit in Brussels. Hungary also opposed the introduction of these measures.

Later, the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said that the EU summit had failed to approve a new package of sanctions, but its development would continue. In addition, Fico said that sanctions against a country like Russia are not working. He noted that the sanctions packages have no effect on the Russian Federation.