
Merz Urges Slovakia to Back Russia Sanctions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday called on Slovakia to lift its veto on the EU’s proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Merz stressed the need to intensify pressure on Moscow to force a return to peace talks. “There is only one member state missing to agree on that,” he said, urging Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to drop his opposition.
Merz pointed out that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire without conditions, while Russia continues to escalate attacks on civilian targets. “It remains our political duty to increase pressure on Russia,” he concluded.