Smer leader Robert Fico pictured in parliament on September 14, 2022. (source: TASR - Jakub Kotian)
A video in which former Slovak prime minister Robert Fico slams EU sanctions on Russia has been shared by a leading Russian propagandist.
Television presenter Vladimir Solovyov shared the video, which has been dubbed into Russian, on Telegram last Sunday.
It has since been watched by 260,000 people.
Ex-PM slams Brussels, praises Budapest
In the video, which Fico shared on Facebook on December 7, the Slovak MP - known for his pro-Russian views - attacks the EU for imposing a ban on Russian oil and other sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Fico is convinced the USA forced Brussels into introducing the sanctions.
The ex-PM, who Ukraine put on a list of pro-Kremlin propagandists in July 2022, also argues in the video that “the ordinary Slovak” will pay a price for the foolishness of European politicians.
Slovakia, along with Hungary and the Czech Republic, is exempted from EU an embargo on Russian oil until June 2024 due to the country's high dependence on Russian oil.
Fico opposes military aid for Ukraine
In addition to sanctions, Fico, whose party Smer has been gaining support in recent public opinion polls, does not back Slovakia’s current military support of Ukraine.
The government recently approved an €800,000 'winter package' of support for Ukraine. Slovakia will also send further military equipment to the country, including de-mining systems and ballistic vests.
Slovakia has spent almost €170 million on supporting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion.
