Slovakia

EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation on July 16. Discussion of the issue may resume on Friday, despite Poland's optimism and Slovakia's resistance.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski expressed optimism about the swift adoption of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This will happen despite public opposition from Slovakia, which blocked it the day before.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha confirmed Ukraine's readiness for peace talks in any format and geographical zone. He refuted Russia's statements about delaying negotiations, calling them manipulation.

A man was detained in Dnipro who last year threatened terrorist attacks in schools in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. His activities were financed by Russians, and the detention took place with the participation of Ukrainian, Czech, and Slovak special services.

US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO on arming Ukraine. Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, Canada, and Great Britain supported the initiative, while the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia refused.

The 2025-2026 hunting season has begun in Zakarpattia with the aim of preventing an increase in the number of predatory animals and the spread of infectious diseases. Hunters must obtain a permit and hunting licenses, and hunting is allowed only within established limits.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.

The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.

The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.

Malta and Slovakia did not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. A decision is expected after the meeting of EU ambassadors.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that the EU could agree on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week after receiving written guarantees regarding gas imports. Slovakia cannot block the ban on Russian gas imports from 2028, but requires unanimity for the sanctions package.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico refused to unconditionally unblock the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. He insists on EU gas guarantees for Slovakia after the cessation of Russian gas supplies from 2028.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the adoption of the 18th package of anti-Russian EU sanctions. Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions against Russia and warned of Slovakia's possible isolation.

EU ambassadors have practically agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a 15% reduction in the price cap for Russian oil. A final agreement is expected before the meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

Slovakia aims to conclude an agreement with the European Commission and EU partners by July 15 regarding energy security guarantees. Without these guarantees, the country is blocking a new package of sanctions against Russia, related to the cessation of Russian gas imports.

In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.

The European Commission this week will propose a floating price cap on Russian oil as part of a new package of sanctions. The mechanism will adjust price limits based on changes in the global price of energy resources.

EU governments are demanding that Brussels keep national plans for phasing out Russian oil and gas by the end of 2027 secret. This is due to the desire to avoid influencing market prices and disclosing confidential information.

President Zelenskyy announced expectations of a decision regarding the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the US's proximity to implementing them. Ukraine is also working on joint drone production with several countries, including Denmark and Germany.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly appealed to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, urging him to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia is blocking the package due to unresolved issues regarding gas supplies after 2027.

Ukrzaliznytsia is launching an additional daytime train No. 218/217 in test mode, which will connect Zakarpattia with Lviv region on July 17, 19, and 25. It will have convenient connections to international and domestic flights.

A group of Russian websites is publishing confidential data of Ukrainian military personnel and their families, using technical services in Slovakia. The goal is public humiliation and intimidation, which is part of information-psychological warfare.

The EU has not yet agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which the European Commission proposed on June 10. Slovakia is blocking it due to unresolved issues of gas supplies after 2027.

40 years after the establishment of the Schengen area, internal border controls are being tightened, limiting freedoms. Poland has introduced controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania, and other EU countries are also strengthening checks.

Greece's main archaeological site, the Acropolis, was partially closed on Tuesday due to a four-day severe heatwave. Temperatures in Athens will reach 38 degrees Celsius, and in other regions up to 42 degrees.

A 19-year-old Lviv resident was detained in Zakarpattia for the thirteenth time attempting to illegally cross the border. He was trying to get to Hungary, seeking better living conditions.

Night bad weather in Hungary and Slovakia led to delays of a number of Ukrzaliznytsia trains that were waiting for the transfer of Ukrainian passengers. Ukrzaliznytsia waited for passengers in Chop, but serious delays occurred, in particular, the Vienna – Kyiv train is delayed by more than 8 hours.

Great Britain has imposed sanctions on two Russians and one legal entity for the development of chemical weapons. Among them are the deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological protection troops and an institute that supplies grenades with chemical substances.

As of the morning of July 8, Ukrzaliznytsia updated the list of trains delayed due to bad weather, including train No. 749/750 Vienna-Kyiv, which will be delayed by eight hours. Stormy weather conditions in Zakarpattia, Slovakia, and Hungary caused changes in passenger train schedules.

According to Barrot, the European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which will be the toughest in the last three years. The restrictions will be aimed at the financial and energy resources of the Kremlin, and may also affect foreign companies that help circumvent previous sanctions.