Premier: Slovakia Not Committed to Any Financial or Military Aid to Ukraine

Bratislava, March 7 (TASR) - Slovakia didn't commit itself to any financial or military aid for Ukraine at the European Council summit on Thursday, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated at a press conference on Friday, adding that he considers it a success that the Council acknowledged Slovakia's concerns regarding the halt to gas transit through Ukraine, and that the European Commission, Slovakia and Ukraine must find a solution to this issue. "The European Council acknowledged the legitimacy and validity of our comments and concerns, which we have been raising constantly because we understand the consequences of no gas flowing through Slovakia and to the rest of Europe," said Fico. He added that with the European Council's statement on gas, Slovakia now has a political mandate to put significant pressure on Ukraine. The premier also stated that Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) is in Brussels on Friday, negotiating the options for the transit of Azerbaijani gas through Ukraine. Fico referred to statements about Slovakia providing financial and military aid to Ukraine as lies. "Show me anywhere where I committed [Slovakia] to this yesterday ... Not a euro, not a bullet for free when it comes to Ukraine," he remarked. According to him, the government is prepared to help Ukraine with humanitarian aid and is also seeking further joint talks with the Ukrainian government. He believes that such discussions will take place in the near future. The premier said that if the United States refuses to guarantee Europe's security, the issue of how EU-member states will address this together is on the table. He considers it to be a victory that defence spending won't be counted under the Stability and Growth Pact. He also appreciated flexibility in drawing EU funds and the involvement of the European Investment Bank and the private sector in defence projects. Leaders of all 27 EU countries at the extraordinary summit in Brussels on Thursday (March 6) agreed on a final text to strengthen the bloc's defences. Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban vetoed conclusions that concerned the provision of military aid to Ukraine. The draft declaration, supported by the remaining 26 EU countries, including Slovakia, confirms the EU's stance to date on the war in Ukraine, and emphasises the need for a just and lasting peace and the bloc's commitment to continue to help Kiev in all forms, including via military support. lin/df