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Brussels/Bratislava – If Ukraine uses long-range missiles, it will lead to increased tensions. This was stated by the Slovak Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák (Smer-SD) after the conclusion of the EU Council meeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense in Brussels, as reported by the TASR correspondent.
Kaliňák confirmed that Ukraine was the main topic of discussion and reiterated the position that Slovakia does not support the permission to use long-range missiles on targets in Russia. “We believe that this would dramatically escalate tensions and, above all, draw EU or NATO countries into the conflict. Therefore, we see it as a problem,” he explained.
When asked whether the ministers commemorated a thousand days of Russian aggression against Ukraine, Kaliňák said that there were many declarations for Ukraine to win.
“If negotiations had started at the end of 2022, when Ukraine managed to regain Kherson and Kharkov, there would have been no thousand days of war. The EU should have created pressure there. When the conflict flared up and especially today, when it is clear that the situation on the battlefield is difficult, we have worse cards than Russia. It is more difficult to react to it,” he stated. And he indicated that the most important thing is to prevent NATO countries from getting involved in this conflict.
Another topic he highlighted is the unblocking of the European Peace Facility (EPF), where Hungary is holding up the transfer of 6.6 billion euros in favor of Ukraine. Kaliňák said that it is important to discuss with Hungary. He added that the new model being discussed “is not so interesting and advantageous for us”.
EU representatives, within the EPF reform, want financial contributions to become voluntary and not mandatory as they are now, when every decision must be approved unanimously. The new model would help bypass the Hungarian veto on military aid to Ukraine.
“The European Commission knows how to discuss with Hungary and why the reasons are as they are. We can only solve it through discussion, not by calls at various types of meetings,” he indicated.
A major topic of discussions was investments in and strengthening the EU defense industry, Kaliňák noted. “In crisis situations, everyone always thinks about their own defense so that they can then help others,” he explained. He argues that the European defense industry should be built on this principle so that we can fully supply ourselves with everything we need.
“I suggested that the division should be clear between the major pillars of the European defense industry, which are well-known companies, and a separate package for medium and small companies developing new weapons systems or having special production. So they can apply for EU funds,” he said.
He clarified that the Slovak defense industry is “quite strong” in European terms and has “interesting production capacities”. Therefore, it is important that if a Slovak project receives the maximum evaluation, it is also felt financially. Because it will create new jobs in Slovakia and support the economy. (November 19th).
“If negotiations had started at the end of 2022, when Ukraine managed to regain Kherson and Kharkov, there would have been no thousand days of war. The EU should have created pressure there.” Robert Kaliňák
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