On the occasion of the first year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova addressed Ukrainians in their own language saying that they have the full support of Slovakia and that it will last for as long as it takes, so justice can be delivered.
On the occasion of the first year of the full scale war in Ukraine, the President stated that no excuse can justify the suffering that Russian aggression has caused to Ukrainians. Caputova posted on her social media profile that if Vladimir Putin wanted peace, he could order withdrawal of the troops from Ukraine anytime. “However, he has been showing for 365 days already that he wishes the opposite,” wrote Slovak President. She is sure that it will be possible to manage the hard times and crises by remaining calm and level-headed and that we will be guided by the truth and not succumbing to fear, lies and manipulation.
In connection with the first anniversary of the outbreak of Russian aggression, acting Premier Eduard Heger (OLANO) said that Ukraine must continue to be helped, it is in Slovakia's national and security interests. Heger stressed that Ukraine is defending not only its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also the values and security of Slovakia. He considers humanitarian aid important, but insufficient. Without military aid, Ukraine would fall and Russia would become a direct neighbour of Slovakia, he said. "Eastern Slovakia would become a border, a buffer zone between two worlds, which would naturally lead to the decline of its economy, the outflow of investments and, last but not least, the need for the permanent presence of defence forces," stated the premier. Heger thanked the people of Slovakia for the help they have provided to Ukrainians so far, as well as for "standing on the right side of history" since the beginning. According to him, the war has confirmed who is Slovakia's ally and partner.
Acting Interior Minister Roman Mikulec (OLANO) repeatedly condemned the attack on Ukraine. He thanked the ministry's forces that have been doing their utmost to help Ukrainian refugees since the very beginning. He highlighted the solidarity of Slovaks and the help of NGOs. According to him, Slovakia has made progress in handling crisis situations.
Acting Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (OLANO) stated that the conflict in Ukraine has brought along a new era of disinformation. He stressed a need for critical thinking and verifying information in this connection. According to him, there is a need to prepare for further efforts to escalate and undermine both the unity of society, and also of the entire West. "It can be expected that Russian policy towards us will have a long-term confrontational character. However, Slovakia is determined to persevere - both in its support of Ukraine, as well as in the fight against efforts to confuse our society in the system of values, freedom, democracy and law," he said.
