The Slovak Foreign Minister, Juraj Blanar, has confirmed that Slovakia is participating in discussions within the European Union regarding the potential removal of Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list.
Blanar stated, “Yes, the discussion is ongoing about the exclusion of these two names, but not only these two, as there are other individuals involved. The conversation is not yet concluded, and several countries are engaged in this dialogue,” during a parliamentary committee meeting on European affairs.
He further indicated that Bratislava would support such a decision if compelling legal arguments are presented. “We are part of this discussion and are prepared to reach a conclusion constructively based on substantial arguments. If it is truly convincing and there are strong legal justifications,” he added.
During the meeting, Michal Simecka, the leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, inquired about the benefits to Slovak citizens from attempts to exclude businessmen linked to the Russian government from the sanctions list. Blanar responded that such negotiations are a common practice in EU diplomacy.
He also emphasized that discussions regarding the potential exclusion of specific individuals from the sanctions list are not connected to negotiations on the new, 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
Relations between Ukraine and Slovakia have recently been strained due to the stance of Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government and a dispute surrounding the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Slovakia's involvement in EU discussions about lifting sanctions on Russian oligarchs reflects ongoing diplomatic practices, despite concerns from local political leaders regarding the implications for Slovak citizens. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.