UPDATED: 15:00, Feb 26, 2022
Slovak government passed a "state of crisis" declaration that is valid as of 12:00 on Saturday (26 February). The decision is related to the mass influx of war refugees to the territory of Slovakia due to the war in Ukraine. It is a governmental move, which should create conditions for easier adoption of necessary measures to prevent and mitigate the consequences of the critical influx of war refugees.
NATO troops to strengthen the Eastern border
Slovakia's defence should be strengthened by approximately 1,200 NATO troops. Together with 300 members of the Slovak Armed Forces, they will form the so-called NATO Forward Presence Unit. After Saturday's cabinet meeting, Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď announced that he would submit a proposal for the approval of such presence to the government and subsequently to the parliament in the coming weeks. The minister also stated that Germany will deliver to Slovakia the Patriot system, to strengthen its air defence. The Patriot anti-missile defence system can detect, track and destroy aircraft, including drones, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian President asks via phone call Slovakia for help
President Zuzana Caputova had a telephone conversation on Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who asked Slovakia for help in the form of tougher sanctions against Russia and material help in a crisis situation. Caputova assured Zelenskyy that Ukraine and its people can count on Slovakia as a reliable neighbour in times of need.
On Friday, President Caputova represented Slovakia at an extraordinary summit of North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) leaders with other leaders of the so-called Bucharest Nine countries, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Romania.
Government approves €1 million for Ukraine
Slovakia will provide €1 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the Government decided on Friday. The sum will be distributed among international and Slovak organisations that are capable of delivering humanitarian aid in Ukraine immediately.
"We can expect that the Russian aggression will drive many people from Ukraine," stated Prime Minister Eduard Heger after the session of the Security Council on Thursday. He called on people in Slovakia to have compassion and understanding for those fleeing Ukraine because they deserve our help.
Slovakia will also provide Ukraine with military material amounting to almost €11 million. Specifically, 10 million litres of diesel fuel, 2.4 million litres of aviation gasoline and 12, 000 pieces of 120 mm ammunition. "Slovakia is sending Ukraine exactly what it has asked for", Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď stressed.
Situtation on the Slovak - Ukrainian border
More than 7,500 Ukrainian citizens crossed the Slovak-Ukrainian border in the first two days of the war conflict in Ukraine. According to the Interior Ministry's press department, before the conflict, the average number of Ukrainians crossing the border to Slovakia was 1,400 per day.
The Interior Ministry plans to set up so-called hotspots for the case of increased influx of people from Ukraine. They will be set up during the weekend in Ulic, Ubla, Vysne Nemecke, Velke Siemence and Cierna nad Tisou. People arriving without documents will be registered in the hotspots. Soldiers will assist police officers with the registration.
"We enable persons fleeing the war a short-term stay of up to 90 days. However, these persons have a possibility to apply for international protection after they enter Slovakia or even later. As soon as an amendment to the Asylum law and the respective government decision are approved, they will also be able to request a temporary refuge status," explained the Interior ministry. If they are granted international protection, meaning asylum or a temporary refuge status, the limitation of 90 days will no longer apply to them.
Interior Ministry also informed that entry to Slovakia will be granted to all persons fleeing the military conflict. After individual assessment, also to persons who do not have a valid travel document (biometric passport).
