Slovakia reiterates it will not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine

LONDON

Slovakia’s prime minister reiterated his country's position that it will not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, according to an official statement Tuesday.

Robert Fico's remarks came at a working dinner with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the capital, Bratislava, said the Slovak government.

Fico emphasized that Slovakia has the sovereign right to decide what pace and what structure of military spending it chooses.

During the joint discussions, he also asked Rutte to strengthen Slovakia’s air defenses.

According to the statement, the pair also discussed the current situation in Ukraine as Fico reiterated that Slovakia will not supply lethal weapons to Kyiv with the exception of commercial contracts.

However, it will continue to provide non-lethal assistance.

In early October, Slovakia sent its first non-lethal defense aid package to Ukraine since Fico took office in 2023.