EU Member State Informs Ukraine It Will Not Provide Additional Arms
Bratislava has decided against supplying military equipment from its own stockpiles to Kiev, but it will maintain its support for Ukraine through alternative means. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar has announced that the country will no longer provide military equipment to Kiev, citing a lack of available stockpiles. During a visit to Berlin on Friday, he communicated this stance to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Blanar emphasized that Slovakia's position is both consistent and clear, stating there is “nothing left” to supply Ukraine in terms of military material.
Despite this halt in military aid, Slovakia plans to expand its repair base for military equipment supplied by Germany at a facility in Michalovce, located near the border with Ukraine. The repair operation, which started at the end of 2022, is currently utilized by German companies, with Berlin covering the costs while Slovakia provides the necessary facilities and logistics.
Blanar also assured that Slovakia would continue to support Ukraine through humanitarian efforts and intends to participate in demining initiatives. He reiterated Slovakia's commitment to advocating for peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict.
Following the parliamentary elections last year, Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party ceased arms deliveries to Ukraine and has called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Fico has indicated a desire to restore trade and political relations with Moscow post-conflict, asserting that “the EU needs Russia, and Russia needs the EU.”
Fico, known for his critical stance on Western military aid to Ukraine, survived an assassination attempt allegedly by a pro-Kiev individual in May. He has also vowed to oppose Ukraine's accession to NATO, warning that such a move could potentially lead to a world war.
Under previous leadership, Slovakia provided significant military support to Kiev, including MiG-29 fighter jets and S-300 air defense systems. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak criticized past administrations for acting “in the most irresponsible way” by supplying equipment crucial for Slovakia's own security.
Furthermore, the interim government led by Eduard Heger may have violated the law when it quickly approved the delivery of 13 MiG-29s to Kiev in March 2023, as indicated by Bratislava's state secretary to the minister of defense, Igor Melicher. Fico’s administration has called for a legal review regarding the shipment.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
Despite this halt in military aid, Slovakia plans to expand its repair base for military equipment supplied by Germany at a facility in Michalovce, located near the border with Ukraine. The repair operation, which started at the end of 2022, is currently utilized by German companies, with Berlin covering the costs while Slovakia provides the necessary facilities and logistics.
Blanar also assured that Slovakia would continue to support Ukraine through humanitarian efforts and intends to participate in demining initiatives. He reiterated Slovakia's commitment to advocating for peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict.
Following the parliamentary elections last year, Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party ceased arms deliveries to Ukraine and has called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Fico has indicated a desire to restore trade and political relations with Moscow post-conflict, asserting that “the EU needs Russia, and Russia needs the EU.”
Fico, known for his critical stance on Western military aid to Ukraine, survived an assassination attempt allegedly by a pro-Kiev individual in May. He has also vowed to oppose Ukraine's accession to NATO, warning that such a move could potentially lead to a world war.
Under previous leadership, Slovakia provided significant military support to Kiev, including MiG-29 fighter jets and S-300 air defense systems. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak criticized past administrations for acting “in the most irresponsible way” by supplying equipment crucial for Slovakia's own security.
Furthermore, the interim government led by Eduard Heger may have violated the law when it quickly approved the delivery of 13 MiG-29s to Kiev in March 2023, as indicated by Bratislava's state secretary to the minister of defense, Igor Melicher. Fico’s administration has called for a legal review regarding the shipment.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
