The incoming Slovak government has taken the decision to halt arms deliveries to Ukraine, a commitment previously made by its predecessor, fulfilling a campaign promise by Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The aid package, agreed by the transitional administration before its departure, included 140 anti-aircraft missiles, over 5,000 rounds of 125mm artillery ammunition, and 4 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition, as reported by Reuters.
However, the new administration has not approved the proposal to donate military equipment to Ukraine valued at 40.3 million euros, according to the government’s website.
Prior to the election, Fico declared that, should he triumph, Slovakia would scale back military aid to Ukraine, which had been robustly provided until then, but would continue to offer humanitarian assistance. Moreover, he assured that the government would not hinder private firms wishing to manufacture and supply arms to Ukraine.
The previous centre-right government had supplied military equipment including armoured vehicles, as well as an S-300 air defence system and MiG-29 jets. Slovakia, which shares its eastern border with Ukraine, has sent military assistance in 13 packages since the onset of the war, totalling a value of 671 million euros.
Photo: facebook/robertficosk