Fico called the new EU sanctions package against Russia "very sexy for everyone."

The new 18th round of sanctions against Russia looks "very sexy," but the restrictions will have no effect, said Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, according to a video published by Ruptly.

"The 18th sanctions package looks very sexy to everyone. Everyone's talking about it," the politician noted.

Fico noted that there are high expectations surrounding the new sanctions, but neither this package nor the previous ones should be expected to have any effect. However, Slovakia is concerned about the upcoming gas shutdown, which could occur on January 1, 2028, he added.

"Right now, we are concerned that the sanctions will stop the gas flow on January 1, 2028. And my duty is to protect the national interests of the Slovak Republic, its citizens, and its industry," the prime minister said.

The 18th round of sanctions against Russia was not approved at the Brussels summit. Fico vetoed it, according to the Index portal, citing sources. On June 26, the prime minister stated that Slovakia would not support the new sanctions package and would demand a postponement of the vote until issues related to gas supplies after 2027 were resolved.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed that his country, together with Slovakia, prevented the adoption of another package of anti-Russian sanctions.

The EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia includes the possibility of banning transactions with the Russian Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, as well as banks involved in circumventing the restrictions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the package would also include lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. However, according to Politico, the EU abandoned these plans due to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Russian authorities consider Western sanctions illegal and demand their lifting. The Kremlin has stated that the restrictions primarily affect Europe.

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