Slovak Parliament approves arms exports to Ukraine - Politico

Politico reports.

It is noted that this signifies a complete turnaround in the country's leadership from the pre-election promise of Prime Minister Robert Fico to 'provide no patronage' to Kyiv.

Earlier, Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová vetoed the bill, citing that the country's Ministry of Defense lacks the expertise to assess the negative risks of selling weapons for Slovakia's international reputation and security.

However, the apparent change in the situation (the veto power over arms exports had previously been held by the foreign ministry and the intelligence service) was opposed by critics who said that Fico's anti-arms stance on Ukraine was aimed at attracting votes for his party in last year's elections and that the profits to be made from arming Kyiv guaranteed that exports would continue.

Slovakia's position on the war in Ukraine

On October 26, 2023, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico told the European Commission that he would not provide military assistance to Ukraine. The country will limit itself to humanitarian support. This was part of his election campaign, which helped Fico win the parliamentary elections.

The politician also said that 50 billion euros of EU aid to Ukraine should include guarantees that the funds will not be misappropriated. Robert Fico called Ukraine one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

On November 6, the Slovak prime minister clarified that he would not prohibit private companies from providing weapons to Ukraine.

In early November, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said that he did not believe in Ukraine's victory on the battlefield.

In early January, Slovakia decided to provide Ukraine with a winter humanitarian aid package worth more than 200,000 euros, which included heaters, clothing, and first aid kits.