One EU country has stated its desire to restore relations with Russia when this happens.

On October 3, the Prime Minister of a European Union (EU) and NATO member state affirmed his desire to restore relations with Russia if the conflict in Ukraine ends during his term in office.

The Russian flag in front of the Kremlin in Moscow. (Source: Adobe Stock)

According to Politico , the statement was made by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions against Russia.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference about the new tax package, Prime Minister Fico shared: “If the conflict ends during the current government’s term, I will do everything possible to restore normal relations and economic cooperation with the Russian Federation. The EU needs Russia and Russia needs the EU.”

The Slovak Prime Minister emphasized that there will be no military solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

These statements were made ahead of a joint meeting between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments on October 7, where Bratislava sought to persuade Kyiv to continue as a transit country for Russian gas.

This summer, Kyiv banned the shipment of products from the Russian energy company Lukoil across its border, causing concern in Hungary and Slovakia. Both countries receive Russian oil via pipelines through Ukraine because they are not part of EU sanctions.

Prime Minister Fico stated, "We have an inherent interest in maintaining gas and oil transport routes through Ukraine," adding that there is no reason to buy gas and oil from alternative suppliers because "it is still Russian oil," only the transport costs are higher.

Mr. Fico said his government was under “immense pressure” from the European Commission to stop buying goods from Moscow.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/mot-nuoc-eu-tuyen-bo-muon-khoi-phuc-quan-he-voi-nga-khi-dieu-nay-dien-ra-288709.html