Slovakia supplies non-lethal aid to Ukraine, says Eštok in Brussels

During an informal meeting of EU diplomats in Brussels, Marek Eštok, the State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, confirmed that Slovakia is committed to supplying only non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine. This statement came amidst discussions on various topics, including the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. Eštok expressed disappointment over the meeting's location, which was initially planned for Budapest under Hungary's EU presidency. He emphasized the importance of bilateral negotiations regarding military support to Ukraine, particularly in light of the upcoming winter. Eštok highlighted the ongoing preparations for a third meeting between the Ukrainian and Slovak governments, focusing on energy cooperation and the modernization of transmission systems to enhance electricity supply from Slovakia to Ukraine. He reiterated the need for EU countries to support Ukraine's energy self-sufficiency and anti-missile defense capabilities as winter approaches. The discussions also touched on the broader implications of military aid and the need for EU states to allow Ukraine to utilize supplied weapon systems effectively. In addition to military support, Slovakia has taken steps to address humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territories, organizing a medical flight for patients from Gaza in collaboration with Belgium and the European Commission. Eštok's remarks reflect Slovakia's dual commitment to supporting Ukraine while also addressing humanitarian crises in other regions. Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of international support for Ukraine, balancing military aid with humanitarian responsibilities, and the need for strategic energy cooperation as winter looms.