The Ministry of Defence confirms that the Slovak Republic provided Ukraine with the S-300 air-defence system. This comes in reaction to the request of Ukraine for assistance in its exercise of self-defence in line with the Article 51 of the UN Charter as a direct consequence of an armed aggression by Russia.

This decision represents a responsible reaction of the Slovak Republic that is supporting peace, freedom and protection of the human rights. Assistance provided by the Slovak Republic is solely of defensive nature in order to support self-defence capabilities of Ukraine and protection of innocent lives from further aggression by the Putin’s regime.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Security of the Slovak Republic and our citizens is our highest priority. That is why we decided to make this decision in the moment, when we have the adequate replacement for the S-300 system, as we had stated before. Fourth battery of the Patriot system, one of the most modern air-defence systems, provided by our Allies, will be deployed in Slovakia. Together, four batteries of the Patriot system will cover the territory of the Slovak Republic. Due to the technical condition, limited options of maintenance and age of the S-300 system, the deployment of the fourth battery of the Patriot system is great news for Slovakia and at the same time tremendous help for Ukraine.”

Providing the S-300 system to Ukraine does not mean that the Slovak Republic has become a part of the military conflict in Ukraine. Self-defence capabilities of the Slovak Republic are secured and will be strengthened by the fourth battery of the Patriot System that will arrive to Slovakia within the next week and will be deployed on the territory of the Slovak Republic as long as necessary.