Prime Minister Robert Fico has stated that Slovakia will not support the EU’s new sanctions package against Russia unless it receives clear guarantees that the country will not suffer financial losses due to the termination of Russian gas transit to the EU starting from 1 January 2028.

Source: European Pravda, citing the text of the directive

Details: Slovakia is thus set to vote against the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, which was scheduled for approval at a meeting of the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) in Brussels on 11 July.

Quote from Fico: "We refuse to simply vote in favour of the 18th sanctions package without conditions. Our support is contingent on addressing our concerns regarding gas prices, supply security and compensation for the damage we will incur from the cessation of Russian gas deliveries as of 1 January 2028."

Details: Fico also stated that the contentious issues with the European Commission "have not yet been resolved". He added that the Slovak ambassador in Brussels was again instructed yesterday not to support the 18th sanctions package.

Fico stressed that he cannot allow "useless ideological gestures such as halting Russian gas flows to cause serious harm to our country."

At the same time, he acknowledged that negotiations with the European Commission were ongoing and showing positive progress.

"Yes, I must acknowledge that the European Commission is making efforts to find a solution for Slovakia. On some open issues, we are close to an agreement; on others, we are still far apart. I sincerely hope for a swift agreement with the Commission that would lead to an adjustment of its proposal to phase out Russian gas in a way that shields Slovakia from the worst possible consequences," Fico stated.

Background:

As reported by European Pravda, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said that EU countries must reach a consensus on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia this week.The 18th package was reintroduced during the EU ambassadors' meeting (Coreper) in Brussels on 4 July but was not adopted due to Slovakia’s position.Slovakia is blocking the sanctions in a bid to secure guarantees from the European Commission regarding the consequences of a complete phase-out of Russian gas from 2028.Earlier, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Rikard Jozwiak predicted that Slovakia would lift its block on the 18th sanctions package following successful negotiations with the European Commission in Bratislava on 3 July.

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Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, has spoken on behalf of the US administration about the expectations for Ukraine's post-war recovery.

Source: European Pravda, reporting from the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2025) in Rome

Details: Kellogg emphasised that the US supports large-scale investment in Ukraine after achieving a stable truce but stressed that recovery is not solely about financial issues.

"It is imperative that a full cessation of hostilities be followed immediately by a comprehensive reconstruction effort for Ukraine," he emphasised.

Quote: "The United States recognises that rebuilding Ukraine will be an enormous yet critical task that will have implications on a broader European region. We also recognise that the reconstruction of Ukraine goes well beyond just rebuilding the physical infrastructure of Ukraine, as it entails addressing the social and economic impacts of the war as well."

Kellogg noted that he represents the official position of the United States, not just his own.

Among other priorities, the US will demand the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, Kellogg emphasised.

Quote: "This includes safely bringing back all Ukrainian refugees, securing the return of all illegally kidnapped Ukrainian children."

He also stressed that veterans of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should receive support for full reintegration into Ukrainian society. Additionally, a "comprehensive demining operation" will be necessary.

Quote: "On the economic side… investors need confidence and investors need assurance that any peace deal will provide long-term security. That is why our efforts to secure peace are not set on just getting to a temporary ceasefire."

Background:

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed in his speech at the conference that Ukraine’s recovery is impossible unless it wins the war.Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Trump and the United States to stand alongside Europe regarding the issue of Ukraine.Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the continuation of EU support for Ukraine and the disbursement of new financial assistance tranches.

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Russian forces have occupied the settlements of Zelenyi Kut and Novoukrainka near the administrative border between Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast and are trying to advance further.

Source: DeepState

Details: The villages are located near Dachne, where the Russians are actively trying to break through the Ukrainian defences.

Quote: "The situation in the vicinity of Dachne is dynamic and tense.

In order to prevent advances to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and the occupation of the village, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attracted additional resources, but due to the numerical superiority and continuous assaults by small groups of infantry, the enemy advances through the defensive units of Ukrainian fighters, which has not been a novelty for a long time now."

Details: Analysts note that Russia has a "big PR rationale to launch a propaganda machine" with its advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. But even for Ukraine, this is an "important and principled position" to prevent the Russians from crossing the administrative border.

Quote: "The situation is difficult, and the conditions on the line of combat, existing problems and the ‘infinite’ number of the Russians complicate this situation even more.

On this front, we will still see many similar discussions, because the Russians have made rapid advances near Yalta, which is also located on the administrative border, as well as neat Zirka, Piddubne, Tolstoi, Shevchenko, Voskresenka and other settlements".

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