The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, warned that the country will face serious difficulties in the event of a complete cessation of supplies of Russian gas, oil and nuclear fuel, and insisted on compensation mechanisms from the European Union. Fico announced that Bratislava will not support the proposed 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, unless the European Commission proposes a "real solution" for the possible energy crisis.
Fico's position is being considered in the context of his presence at the May 9 celebrations in Moscow, organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Over 20 foreign high-ranking guests, including the Chairman of the PRC, Xi Jinping, attended the event.