Blanár: If the USA ends support for Ukraine, the EU should not take over the total burden

Bratislava – If the President of the United States (USA), Donald Trump, stops supporting Ukraine, the overall burden should not fall on the shoulders of the European Union. This is the opinion of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs (MZVEZ) Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD). He accepts if some countries decide to continue supporting Ukraine militarily, but considers peace negotiations crucial. He stated this in an interview for TASR.

The minister reminded that Trump had announced during his election campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine. He also noted that the USA is the biggest supporter of Ukraine from both a financial and military perspective. “Let’s wait for his presentation of steps on how he wants to resolve this conflict and we are ready to be a part of it,” he said.

He reiterated that Slovakia refuses to support Ukraine militarily. Similarly, it refuses to take on the overall burden if America stops helping Ukraine, nor should the EU take it over. “If some countries from the European Union decide to continue supporting Ukraine militarily, that’s their business, but we refuse for the European Union to take it on,” declared the head of the department.

He believes that the conflict cannot be resolved with a definitive solution, such as Ukraine regaining control over the entire territory. The development, according to him, is more likely heading towards a frozen conflict, which will be defined by certain rules. “There should be negotiations about how this will be in the future, but it’s always better to accept some truce and, let’s say, freeze it in this position. Because it could be even worse for the Ukrainian and possibly the Russian side,” added the minister.

He emphasized that Slovakia supports the earliest possible conclusion of a truce and peace negotiations. He reiterated that until then, it will only provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. (January 24)