Ukrainian Embassy Criticises Statements of MEP Erik Kalinak

Bratislava, March 6 (TASR) - The Ukrainian Embassy to Slovakia criticised the latest statements made by Slovak MEP Erik Kalinak (Smer-SD) about the war in Ukraine and stated that it plans to turn to the Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Ministry with a formal note to demand "clear explanation of the inappropriate statements" made by the representative of the Slovak governing party, TASR learnt on Thursday. The Embassy claimed that Ukraine reserves the right to respond with measures to protect its national interests. Kiev perceives Kalinak's statements as casting doubt over Slovakia's commitment to abide by norms of the international law, particularly the inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states. "At the time when the Ukrainian nation has been heroically resisting an extensive Russian aggression for the fourth year and needs support from the global community, a senior representative of the governing party of a neighbouring state, who should have the greatest interest in the preservation of independent, sovereign and strong Ukraine, is openly siding with the aggressor and wishing for the occupation of the entire victim country," the Ukrainian Embassy posted on a social network. The Embassy noted that such "irresponsible" statements by Kalinak hinder the efforts by the Ukrainian and Slovak sides to "return to a pragmatic, constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue at all levels, including the format of joint sessions of the two governments". In an interview for Interez website, Kalinak stated if Russians made it to Ukraine's Uzhhorod, Slovakia would finally acquire a reliable partner. Earlier in the day, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini declared in response that the foreign policy is drafted by the president and prime minister, others are only commenting on it. The head of state claimed that Kalinak is a young and inexperienced politician, whose words shouldn't be taken seriously. mf