Fico Calls EU Leadership Naive Over Reported Russia-US Diesel Deal

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused European Union leaders of naivety in a video address to citizens, reacting to a reported agreement between the presidents of Russia and the United States on Russian diesel deliveries. Fico said Washington stands to receive cheaper fuel, while Europeans risk rising prices and shortages. He also argued the arrangement shows how poorly EU political leadership has handled the situation.

According to Life.ru, the deal between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump covers large-scale supplies of Russian diesel to the United States. Trump said Russia would promptly send more than 300,000 tonnes of fuel to the global market and then increase export volumes, adding that the extra supply should help bring down fuel prices in the US and elsewhere.

Fico said Russia would gain additional budget revenue from the arrangement, while European countries that back the sanctions policy could see diesel reach three euros per litre and even face shortages. He stressed that a state must above all defend its own national interests. In his view, the developments confirm that the course taken by his government is the right one.

The Slovak premier framed his cabinet's approach as independent and self-interested. He said the current government defends Slovak interests, is not an obedient servant, and shows the courage to pursue policy in all four directions of the world.

The remarks come as the EU weighs its response to the reported fuel deal. Life.ru reported that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas promised record sanctions against Moscow in light of the Russia-US arrangement, signalling further friction between Brussels and member states skeptical of the bloc's sanctions course.