Ukrainian International Minister Andrii Sybiha on June 30 rebuked Slovakia's overseas minister after he prompt the worldwide group may "maybe even forgive" Russia's actions and reengage in dialogue with Moscow to finish the warfare in Ukraine.

"Russia's sense of impunity is the foundation reason behind its crimes," Sybiha wrote in a submit on X. "It's naive to count on a prison to cease if their crime is forgiven as a substitute of punished. Russia will hit your different cheek as effectively. And those that have misplaced nobody on this warfare don’t have any proper to make such statements."

Sybiha's remarks got here in response to feedback made by Slovak International Minister Juraj Blanar throughout a home media interview on June 29. Blanar argued the warfare in Ukraine couldn’t be resolved militarily and referred to as for a return to diplomacy, suggesting Russia may very well be forgiven.

"Allow us to return to respect for worldwide legislation and search methods to speak with the Russian Federation," he stated. "And even perhaps forgive all the pieces that has occurred."

Slovakia just lately requested a delay in adopting the European Union's 18th sanctions bundle in opposition to Russia, citing the necessity for additional clarification on how it will impression member states, notably in gentle of the EU's RePowerEU initiative to finish dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030.

Fico's administration has distanced itself from the pro-Ukraine consensus inside the EU and NATO. Since taking workplace in 2023, he has halted Slovak navy assist to Ukraine and pursued diplomatic engagement with Russia. Earlier this yr, Fico attended Russia's Victory Day Parade in Moscow and met with President Vladimir Putin — a gesture most Western leaders prevented.

Fico has dismissed the concept of assembly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, telling Slovak broadcaster STVR that Zelensky "hates me" and that such a gathering "has no significance."

Ukraine has persistently emphasised that peace can solely come by way of justice and accountability for Russian warfare crimes and aggression, a place echoed by many Western governments.

More empty threats from Washington, more deadly bombs from RussiaThe ongoing and escalating slaughter of Ukrainian civilians depends on two preconditions: Moscow’s determination to erase Ukraine, and the tacit permission it receives from America and Europe. On Monday, a Russian missile tore through a residential building in Kyiv, leaving at least six civilians dead and over a dozenThe Kyiv IndependentAndrew Chakhoyan