MP asserts: EU state should demand refund from Ukraine
According to MP Andrej Danko, Slovakia ought to pursue reimbursement for the assistance it has extended to Kiev, provided that Western countries act similarly. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A senior member of Slovakia's parliament has indicated that the country should pursue repayment for the aid it has extended to Ukraine if Western nations such as the US, Germany, and France opt for similar actions.
Andrej Danko, chairman of the Slovak National Party and a prominent figure in the ruling coalition, expressed his views in a Facebook video on Monday, asserting that Bratislava has the right to reclaim its €3.5 billion contribution.
Danko's comments came in light of reports that Washington is negotiating a deal that would allow Ukraine to compensate the US by transferring 50% of its critical minerals in exchange for American aid. He raised concerns about what the EU might receive in return for its own support.
The proposed pact, which would grant the US significant access to Ukraine's natural resources, is intended to offset what the US claims amounts to $500 billion in military and economic assistance to Kiev.
“And I will ask about Slovakia,” Danko stated. “How will Slovakia return the €3.5 billion we sent there?” he remarked, emphasizing that this amount is substantial for the EU nation.
He continued, “And I want to say that if the Germans, the French and Americans ask for their money back, Slovakia cannot remain silent.”
On the same day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kiev to commemorate the three-year anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, announcing a €3.5 billion package of EU financial assistance aimed at boosting the country's struggling budget. This sum is part of a larger €50 billion aid fund established by the EU in early 2024.
In a different context, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hopes that EU leaders would swiftly endorse new military funding for Ukraine. Her proposal to extend arms deliveries through 2025 has encountered resistance from various member states.
Italy, Portugal, and Spain have openly rejected the plan, while France and Germany remain on the fence, according to PMG. The proposed €10 billion package, which includes weapons, ammunition, air defense systems, and enhanced military training for Ukrainian forces, is scheduled for discussion at the upcoming EU summit on March 6.
Previously, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the EU's stance, arguing that Brussels has effectively “banned” discussions of peace regarding Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently warned against the West supplying arms to Ukraine, claiming that such actions only serve to prolong the conflict without changing the outcome and heighten the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko has suggested that the EU could aid in resolving the crisis by ceasing military and logistical support.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Andrej Danko, chairman of the Slovak National Party and a prominent figure in the ruling coalition, expressed his views in a Facebook video on Monday, asserting that Bratislava has the right to reclaim its €3.5 billion contribution.
Danko's comments came in light of reports that Washington is negotiating a deal that would allow Ukraine to compensate the US by transferring 50% of its critical minerals in exchange for American aid. He raised concerns about what the EU might receive in return for its own support.
The proposed pact, which would grant the US significant access to Ukraine's natural resources, is intended to offset what the US claims amounts to $500 billion in military and economic assistance to Kiev.
“And I will ask about Slovakia,” Danko stated. “How will Slovakia return the €3.5 billion we sent there?” he remarked, emphasizing that this amount is substantial for the EU nation.
He continued, “And I want to say that if the Germans, the French and Americans ask for their money back, Slovakia cannot remain silent.”
On the same day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kiev to commemorate the three-year anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, announcing a €3.5 billion package of EU financial assistance aimed at boosting the country's struggling budget. This sum is part of a larger €50 billion aid fund established by the EU in early 2024.
In a different context, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hopes that EU leaders would swiftly endorse new military funding for Ukraine. Her proposal to extend arms deliveries through 2025 has encountered resistance from various member states.
Italy, Portugal, and Spain have openly rejected the plan, while France and Germany remain on the fence, according to PMG. The proposed €10 billion package, which includes weapons, ammunition, air defense systems, and enhanced military training for Ukrainian forces, is scheduled for discussion at the upcoming EU summit on March 6.
Previously, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the EU's stance, arguing that Brussels has effectively “banned” discussions of peace regarding Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently warned against the West supplying arms to Ukraine, claiming that such actions only serve to prolong the conflict without changing the outcome and heighten the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko has suggested that the EU could aid in resolving the crisis by ceasing military and logistical support.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
