According to Russian media reports, Slovak Foreign Minister Branar told reporters after meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov at the UN General Assembly:The EU sanctions have limited impact on Russia, but they have a very serious impact on Europe¡¯s own economy.

Branal said that the EU's 19 rounds of sanctions against Russia have not changed the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. At present, Slovakia has not found a reasonable and economically viable alternative to Russian energy. He also pointed out that many European countries need Russian energy. Last year, some European countries saw an increase in natural gas purchases from Russia.