Germany calls on Slovakia for greater solidarity in facing Russia

Berlin, Sept 29 (KUNA) – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadefohl called on Slovakia on Tuesday to show greater solidarity with its European allies regarding European Union measures against Russia in the wake of the war in Ukraine. The German news channel NTV quoted the German minister as saying during a meeting with his Slovak counterpart, Juraj Blanar, in the capital Bratislava, that both countries reaffirmed in a joint statement their full support for Ukraine, noting that this also includes halting reliance on Russian energy supplies. He added that all partners are called upon to stand together in supporting Ukraine and in backing all decisions taken by the EU against Russia. The German minister urged exerting further pressure on Russia, stating, “Moscow shows no willingness for peace, while Ukraine has repeatedly affirmed its readiness for it.” Without directly naming Slovakia, Wadefohl said that questioning whether Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policy poses the greatest threat to Europe is not indicative of solidarity. According to the German foreign minister, the European Union cannot afford individual countries obstructing its decisions, including sanctions, a reference to Slovakia, which opposes imposing further sanctions on Russia due to its war in Ukraine. (End) A.N.J. / N.S.A.