Slovakia

The European Commission confirmed its readiness to transfer 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025 and to provide the remaining 11 billion euros of G7 loans. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also emphasized the continuation of financial, military, and political support for Ukraine.

The European Council on June 26 approved the extension of sanctions against Russia despite threats from Hungary and Slovakia. Negotiations are currently underway on the 18th package of sanctions, which includes restrictions on pipelines and imports of Russian fuel.

European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia opposed it, which led to the postponement of discussions.

The Minister for European Affairs of Poland, Adam Szłapka, assessed the progress at the EU summit regarding the sanctions package against Russia and defense funding. Slovakia and Hungary oppose new sanctions, while Sweden hopes for agreements.

Slovakia will not support the new EU sanctions package against Russia due to unresolved gas supply issues after 2027. Prime Minister Robert Fico demands a postponement of the vote, which could lead to a deficit and losses of up to 20 billion euros.

The European Union summit starts today in Brussels, where key topics include the war in Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, and competitiveness. EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, its path to EU membership, pressure on Russia, and efforts to achieve peace.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that there is no place for Ukraine in NATO, and Zelenskyy's presence only at an informal dinner in The Hague marks "the end of an era. " Orbán believes that Ukraine's entry into any integration community does not correspond to Hungary's national interests.

Hungary and Slovakia will not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Hungary stated that it will not support a ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as any new arms supplies or financial support to Ukraine.

More than half of Slovaks rejected the idea of the country's neutrality, despite Prime Minister Robert Fico's statement. An AKO poll showed that 50.6% of respondents oppose Slovakia's withdrawal from NATO.

A brown bear roamed freely through Vilnius for two days, but hunters refused to follow the government's order to kill the animal, considering it non-aggressive.

From June 19 to June 25, 2025, traffic at the "Ubľa - Malý Berezny" checkpoint will be restricted due to technical work from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is recommended to use other checkpoints.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the possible embezzlement of €7. 4 million intended for military aid to Ukraine. Eight people have been detained, including four Slovak Ministry of Defence officials.

Thanks to the introduction of "eQueue" for buses, queues at checkpoints have decreased. Since the beginning of June, passenger traffic has increased, especially for departures from Ukraine, where 85% are women and children.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit of foreign diplomats to the site of the Russian strike on a building in Kyiv. Representatives of more than 60 missions saw the consequences of Russian terror in Ukraine.

A number of EU countries still use Soviet helicopters and airplanes, which are important for Ukraine in the war. They are needed for the evacuation of the wounded and strikes against the enemy, but their support is becoming more difficult.

The European Commission plans to legislate a ban on imports of Russian gas and LNG by the end of 2027. New contracts will be prohibited from 2026, and long-term contracts from 2028.

The Prime Minister of Slovakia stated that Ukraine's membership in the EU will bring more opportunities than negative consequences. He again proposed holding a joint meeting of the governments of the two countries.

Peter Pellegrini announced preparations for a visit to Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation. He sees great opportunities for the development of eastern Slovakia after the war.

The Prime Minister of Slovakia called for a postponement of the vote on sanctions against Russia, demanding energy security guarantees for the country after the cessation of Russian gas imports from January 1.

The goal of Ukrainian winger Maksym Bragaru against Denmark has been nominated for the best goal of the first round of Euro-2025 U-21. Ukraine will play Finland on June 15.

Hungary and Slovakia will not support the European Commission's plan to stop buying gas, oil and nuclear fuel from Russia. They consider it a violation of sovereignty.

Today, the Ukrainian U-21 team starts at Euro-2025 against Denmark. The coaches have announced the lineups. Bookmakers give preference to Denmark.

In Kyiv, two individuals were detained for promising to transport conscripts across the border with Slovakia for 13,000 euros. The perpetrators planned to take the evaders to Zakarpattia.

In the conditions of war, Ukraine solves problems with equipment repair, looking for spare parts abroad and developing import substitution. The lives of military personnel depend on the serviceability of the equipment.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic will visit Ukraine on June 11. He will participate in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit, despite his pro-Russian stance.

Slovakia will not support the 18th package of sanctions against Russia without addressing the problems caused by the cessation of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies. The EU may vote on the sanctions on June 20.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he will not support EU sanctions against Russia if they harm his country's national interests. He will not support the cessation of fuel imports for nuclear power plants.

Contracts for service in the Ukrainian Legion were signed in Lublin. Volunteers from different countries will undergo 45-day military training in Poland.

The EU and Ukraine are negotiating a new agreement on import quotas for agricultural products. The quotas will be set between current levels and temporary exemptions granted after the Russian invasion.

The restoration of the pre-war trade regime with the EU will lead to losses of Ukrainian exports of $800 million. However, these losses are not critical and can be compensated.