The Czech Republic will continue to advocate for the adoption of tougher sanctions against Russia, said Fiala

Prague – The Czech Republic will continue to support Ukraine and advocate for the adoption of the 18th package of tough anti-Russian sanctions, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) told ČTK today. He considers the unity of the European Union to be key. He does not view the decision of the Slovak parliament to commit members of the local government to not adopt further sanctions against Russia as good for the security of Europe.

The Slovak parliament today passed a resolution committing members of Prime Minister Robert Fico‘s cabinet not to vote for the adoption of new sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia at the international level. Slovakia participates in anti-Russian sanctions as a member state of the European Union, and the approval of new sanctions and the extension of existing ones requires unanimous consent from the member states of the European bloc.

“I do not consider the decision of the Slovak parliament, with all due respect, to be good for the security of Europe. The Czech Republic considers the fight against Russian aggressive policy to be important. And the unity of the EU, especially against Russian aggression, is key. Therefore, the Czech Republic will continue to support Ukraine and advocate for the adoption of the 18th package of tough anti-Russian sanctions,” Fiala stated.

He expressed a similar view as Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (independent), who sees no reason to lift sanctions. On the contrary, he believes that Russia’s delay in negotiations for a ceasefire shows that further pressure on Moscow is necessary, including tougher sanctions.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL), the decision of the Slovak National Council is not only politically dangerous but also morally indefensible. “The rejection of sanctions means turning a blind eye to the suffering of those who defend their country and their homes from brutal Russian aggression,” he stated on platform X, referring to the victims of aggression. According to Jurečka, Europe must stand firmly against aggression; otherwise, it will betray not only Ukraine but also its own values. (June 5)