In addition to MiG-29 jet fighters, Slovakia could also provide Ukraine with part of its Soviet-era Kub air-defence system, interim Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad said at a press conference on Thursday held together with interim Foreign Minister Rastislav Kacer. According to Nad, talks are also underway with the allies about the possibility of obtaining a replacement, for example in the form of Leopard tanks, if Slovakia sends T-72 tanks to Ukraine. Both ministers repeatedly emphasised that the aid provided to Ukraine is in Slovakia's interest. Both ministers again condemned Russian aggression. "Our government is not pro-Ukrainian, our government is pro-Slovak, because the fact that we help Ukraine defend itself within its borders and return to its sovereignty means that we support ourselves. This is how we create our own safe environment," stated Kacer.
MPs did not discuss MiG-29 jet fighters which Slovakia could donate to Ukraine as they did not approve on Thursday afternoon the programme of the extraordinary meeting initiated by the opposition Smer-SD. At the session the party wanted to push through a resolution by which Parliament was supposed to express its disapproval of handing over MiG-29s to Ukraine. Party leader Robert Fico pointed out that Slovakia currently has only an interim government that has curtailed powers. He therefore talks about the unconstitutionality of sending weapons to Ukraine.
Source: TASR
