Slovak PM warns 'meaningless' Russia sanctions jeopardize EU economy

Slovakia’s prime minister criticized European Union sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, saying they would only threaten economic growth in the 28-member bloc.

“Why should we jeopardize the EU economy that begins to grow?” Robert Fico told a news conference.

“If there is a crisis situation, it should be solved by other means than meaningless sanctions. Who profits from EU economy decreasing, Russia’s economy having troubles and Ukraine economically on its knees?“

Fico also said Slovakia must be prepared for a potential disruption of Russian natural gas supplies via Ukraine.

Russia cut gas supplies to Ukraine on June 16 in a dispute over unpaid bills but so far has continued to supply gas which Ukraine sends on to Russia’s other customers.

But intensified fighting in eastern Ukraine between Kiev forces and pro-Russian separatists and escalating tit-for-tat sanctions between Russia and the EU have raised fears of a disruption of deliveries to Europe. - Reuters