Kathrine Frich
Slovakia’s government under Fico had suspended all military support.
Slovakia’s government under Fico had suspended all military support.
Resumes military aid to Ukraine
Slovakia has decided to restart military support for Ukraine, ending a break that lasted two years.
The aid includes both combat gear and medical supplies.
The move signals a shift in policy under Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government.
Details of the new support package revealed
Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak, speaking at the 3rd International Defense Industry Forum in Kyiv, announced Slovakia would provide mine‑clearing vehicles and engineering equipment.
Among the items: five Bozena‑class mine disposal machines. These will aid in Ukraine’s efforts to clear battlefield hazards.
Policy about‑face under Fico administration
Earlier, Slovakia’s government under Fico had suspended all military support.
The return to aid reflects a significant policy change, reversing the halt that began after Fico took office.
That change had paused deliveries of systems, aircraft, and weaponry to Kyiv.
Aid resumed under conditional terms
Slovakia has set conditions for cooperation and has warned it may not support further sanctions on Russia unless its demands are met.
The decision to reengage militarily comes with diplomatic caveats, indicating a cautious approach to deeper involvement in the conflict.
Longstanding Russia–Slovakia relations under strain
Historically, Slovakia maintained relatively warm ties with Russia, more so than neighbouring states.
Under the war and EU sanctions, relations frayed. Nonetheless, ties have never been fully severed, and institutional links, such as embassies, remain.
From sanctions to reengagement
Slovakia joined Western sanctions against Russia after the invasion in 2022.
In early 2023, its parliament formally designated the Putin regime as a state sponsor of terrorism.
But by late 2023, Fico’s administration began signaling a thaw in relations with Russia.
Energy dependence complicates foreign policy
Despite backing Ukraine, Slovakia is still heavily dependent on Russian energy.
A majority of its gas, oil, and nuclear fuel supplies have come from Russia.
This reliance constrains how far the government can go in condemning Russian aggression without risking essentials for its citizens.
Trade ties add another layer of tension
Before the war, Russia was a major trade partner for Slovakia, exporting energy, importing cars and industrial goods.
Shifting away from Russia economically is possible but requires major investment, especially in changing infrastructure tied to Russian resources.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
