Minister Naď: By helping Ukraine, we refuse to make concessions to the aggressor

Today (20 July 2022), Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď took part in a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in the format of defence leaders of the participating nations, led by the United States of America. Security assistance packages to Ukraine, which has been fending off the Russian aggression for months now, topped the agenda.

Speaking of Slovakia's unwavering commitment to helping Ukraine, Jaroslav Naď said: “Neither Ukraine nor the international democratic community will accept Russiaʼs violent actions. We refuse to give up on democratic principles, freedom and sovereignty by making no concessions to the aggressor. Thatʼs why we are united and ready to support the right of an invaded Ukraine to defend itself as long as it takes.”

He continued: “Even today we discussed ways to provide Ukraine with assistance – both current and future over the longer term if the situation requires it.” The head of the MOD noted that there is still Soviet-era military equipment in MOD inventories that Slovakia or other countries could transfer to Ukraine, if they secure a replacement. He made clear that such talks must fully respect individual national capacity for self-defence and collective defence.