Slovakia to Continue Arms Deliveries to Ukraine, Says Prime Minister Fico
Bratislava, Slovakia – In a recent meeting with Defense Minister Robert Kalik, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia will not hinder any company’s production and delivery of weapons to Ukraine. Fico, who was previously an opposition politician, has repeatedly criticized the previous government for supplying various weapons to Ukraine. He has also stated that if his party, the Direction-Social Democracy (Smr-SD), were to be part of the new cabinet, they would not allow the export of any ammunition to Ukraine.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Slovakia has provided Kyiv with various military equipment, including decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets of Soviet construction. Additionally, Slovakia has delivered eight self-propelled howitzers, known as Zuzana 2, which are considered the flagship of the Slovak defense industry. According to reports, Denmark, Norway, and Germany have paid for the production of an additional 16 Zuzana 2 howitzers for Ukraine under a bilateral commercial contract.
Prime Minister Fico suggested that Bratislava could also supply Kyiv with demining systems, which are also produced in Slovakia. “Demining is considered humanitarian aid. There are vast areas with landmines and unexploded ordnance,” said the Slovak premier.
Furthermore, Slovakia has initiated a project to increase the production of ammunition. The 155mm caliber ammunition is manufactured by the semi-state company ZVS Holding, in which the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, holds a 50% stake. The modernization and extension of the ammunition’s lifecycle are handled by VOP Novaky, another company within the CSG group.
Defense Minister Kalik stated that the new leadership of the Slovak Ministry of Defense intends to reassess some of the previously concluded commercial contracts, although he did not provide further details. Slovakia had previously placed various orders for the modernization of its outdated military equipment. Kalik also expressed support for the agreement on defense cooperation between Slovakia and the United States, which the Smr-SD party had opposed during its approval in the Slovak parliament.
Slovakia’s decision to continue supplying arms to Ukraine comes amid ongoing tensions in the region and international efforts to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
What factors influenced Slovakia’s change in policy towards arms deliveries to Ukraine, despite previous criticisms?
From Slovakia to conflict zones.
However, Fico’s stance seems to have evolved since taking office as Prime Minister. In the meeting, he expressed his support for arms deliveries to Ukraine and assured that Slovakia will not impede any company’s production and delivery of weapons to the country.
This comes as a significant change in policy, considering Fico’s previous criticisms of arms exports to Ukraine. He had openly criticized the previous government for supplying weapons to the war-torn country.
Fico’s party, the Direction-Social Democracy (Smr-SD), had also vowed to prohibit the export of ammunition from Slovakia to conflict zones if they were to be part of the new cabinet.
The decision to continue arms deliveries to Ukraine may be seen as a show of solidarity with the country, as it battles pro-Russian separatists in its eastern regions.
Slovakia has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine and has provided both political and economic assistance to the country. This move to continue arms deliveries further exemplifies Slovakia’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
It is important to note that Slovakia is not alone in supplying weapons to Ukraine, as several other countries, including the United States and Canada, have also supplied arms to support Ukrainian forces.
The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, with thousands of lives lost and significant damage to infrastructure. The provision of military support is seen as crucial in assisting Ukraine to defend itself against the ongoing aggression.
While some critics may question the morality or potential risks associated with arms deliveries, Slovakia’s decision demonstrates its belief in the importance of supporting Ukraine in its struggle for stability and independence.
As the situation in Ukraine continues, it remains to be seen how other countries will respond and whether they will follow Slovakia’s example in providing military support.
This is an interesting topic. It would be necessary to carefully consider the potential consequences before proceeding with any arms exports to Ukraine.