Slovakia's Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said the US fully understands
Bratislava's need to continue importing Russian oil and gas and accepts its
timetable to diversify supplies. She said Slovakia still needs to import Russian
oil next year and is seeking a US sanctions exemption to cover that period;
Under an EU-wide ban Slovakia must stop Russian gas imports by autumn 2027, and
Sakova said the country needs the transition window through at least end-2027.
