Slovak defense companies continue to sell weapons to Ukraine, even after Prime Minister Robert Fico’s statements that his country would not provide “a single bullet.” Politico reported this.
Source: PRYAMYI
Journalists note that despite the halt of official military aid, criticism of EU sanctions against Russia, refusal to support Ukraine’s NATO membership, and Fico’s meeting with Putin, Slovakia’s private companies are actively cooperating with Kyiv.
In 2024, the country’s arms exports doubled compared to the previous year, reaching €1.15 billion. This is ten times more than before the start of the full-scale war.
Defense Minister Igor Melicher emphasized that the government cannot prohibit private businesses from operating: “We joined the EU because of the values we share. We also respect the free market. Therefore, restricting the activities of defense industry companies would be hypocritical.”
At the same time, the government adheres to its promise not to transfer weapons from state stockpiles, providing only non-lethal aid and electricity.
Slovak enterprises produce 155-mm ammunition, Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers, electronic warfare systems, communications, and other technologies. At the opening of a new ammunition production plant, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák stated: “This is not support for war, but support for trade.”