Slovakia’s Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák insisted in Bratislava on 7 October that the country’s 14th package of assistance to Ukraine is purely humanitarian, rejecting claims that Bratislava has resumed weapons transfers halted two years ago.

Slovakia says new package includes only non-lethal support

According to TASR, Kaliňák said Slovakia “remains true” to its pledge not to donate weapons, emphasizing that the new aid includes only non-lethal and humanitarian items. He described the package as aimed at helping “those who suffer the most” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a so-called peaceful solution.

He accused opposition parties and the media of misrepresenting the government’s position, saying their statements falsely suggest a policy change toward the war in Ukraine. Kaliňák stressed that the stance declared before and after last year’s election remains unchanged.

Humanitarian focus with engineering and de-mining aid

TASR reported that the 14th assistance package focuses on supporting civilians and rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure. Part of the aid has already been prepared, and work on a 15th package is under consideration. Kaliňák mentioned the possibility of sending additional Bożena de-mining systems and support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

He added that Ukraine offered its detection technologies for the planned “drone wall” project on the eastern flank of the European Union, a cooperation expected to reduce costs. Slovakia, in turn, wants to include Slovak-made products in the system, potentially medium-caliber cannons, though no decision has been made.