EU Member State Informs Ukraine It Will Not Provide Additional Weapons
Bratislava has decided against supplying military equipment from its own stockpiles to Kiev; however, it will persist in providing assistance to Ukraine through alternative means. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Slovakia's foreign minister announced that the country can no longer provide military equipment to Kiev, as there are no supplies remaining in its stockpiles. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar communicated this decision during a visit to Berlin on Friday, where he spoke with German counterpart Annalena Baerbock.
Blanar made it clear that Slovakia's stance is both consistent and transparent: the country will not send any more military material to Ukraine because there is simply “nothing left,” as reported by local media.
Nevertheless, Slovakia has reportedly agreed to enhance its repair base for German-supplied military equipment located in Michalovce, close to the Ukrainian border. This repair facility, which began operations at the end of 2022, is currently utilized by German companies. The repairs are financed by Berlin, while Slovakia provides the necessary facilities.
In addition, Blanar emphasized that Slovakia will keep offering humanitarian aid to Ukraine and intends to engage in demining activities. He reiterated Bratislava's support for all peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflict.
Since winning the parliamentary elections last year, Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer-SD party put an end to weapons deliveries to Ukraine and has advocated for a diplomatic approach to resolving the conflict. Fico has expressed his intention to revive trade and political relations with Moscow after the fighting ceases, claiming that “the EU needs Russia, and Russia needs the EU.”
Fico, a vocal opponent of Western military aid to Ukraine, survived an assassination attempt allegedly orchestrated by a pro-Kiev individual amid continuous media scrutiny of his views. He has also pledged to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, cautioning that such a move could lead to a global conflict.
Previously, Slovakia’s government had actively supplied military assistance to Kiev, including MiG-29 fighter jets and S-300 air defense systems. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak criticized his predecessors for acting “in the most irresponsible way” in transferring arms essential for the nation’s own security.
Moreover, the interim government led by PM Eduard Heger may have violated the law by rapidly authorizing the shipment of 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine in March 2023, according to Igor Melicher, Slovakia's state secretary to the minister of defense. Fico’s administration has sought a legal review of that shipment.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Blanar made it clear that Slovakia's stance is both consistent and transparent: the country will not send any more military material to Ukraine because there is simply “nothing left,” as reported by local media.
Nevertheless, Slovakia has reportedly agreed to enhance its repair base for German-supplied military equipment located in Michalovce, close to the Ukrainian border. This repair facility, which began operations at the end of 2022, is currently utilized by German companies. The repairs are financed by Berlin, while Slovakia provides the necessary facilities.
In addition, Blanar emphasized that Slovakia will keep offering humanitarian aid to Ukraine and intends to engage in demining activities. He reiterated Bratislava's support for all peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflict.
Since winning the parliamentary elections last year, Prime Minister Robert Fico’s Smer-SD party put an end to weapons deliveries to Ukraine and has advocated for a diplomatic approach to resolving the conflict. Fico has expressed his intention to revive trade and political relations with Moscow after the fighting ceases, claiming that “the EU needs Russia, and Russia needs the EU.”
Fico, a vocal opponent of Western military aid to Ukraine, survived an assassination attempt allegedly orchestrated by a pro-Kiev individual amid continuous media scrutiny of his views. He has also pledged to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, cautioning that such a move could lead to a global conflict.
Previously, Slovakia’s government had actively supplied military assistance to Kiev, including MiG-29 fighter jets and S-300 air defense systems. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak criticized his predecessors for acting “in the most irresponsible way” in transferring arms essential for the nation’s own security.
Moreover, the interim government led by PM Eduard Heger may have violated the law by rapidly authorizing the shipment of 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine in March 2023, according to Igor Melicher, Slovakia's state secretary to the minister of defense. Fico’s administration has sought a legal review of that shipment.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
