A leading Slovakian lawmaker suggests Slovakia should seek reimbursement for its aid to Ukraine if other Western countries do the same.
A prominent Slovak MP contends that Slovakia is entitled to seek repayment for its aid to Ukraine if Western powers like the US, Germany, and France pursue similar actions.
Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party and a key member of the governing coalition, stated in a Facebook video on Monday that Bratislava has the right to demand the return of its €3.5 billion ($3.8 billion) contribution.
Referring to reports that Washington is negotiating a deal where Ukraine could cede 50% of its vital minerals as compensation for US aid, Danko questioned what the EU would receive in return for its assistance.
The potential agreement, which reportedly grants the US extensive rights to Ukraine’s natural resources, aims to offset what Washington claims is $500 billion in military and economic aid to Kiev.
“And I will ask about Slovakia,” Danko stated. “How will Slovakia get back the €3.5 billion we sent there?” he inquired, emphasizing that the amount is substantial for the EU nation.
“And I want to say that if the Germans, the French and Americans ask for their money back, Slovakia cannot remain silent,” the politician added.
On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kiev on the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, presenting a €3.5 billion package of EU financial aid to provide additional liquidity to the nation’s struggling budget. This sum is an advance payment from the EU’s larger €50-billion ($54 billion) assistance fund established in early 2024.
Separately, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed optimism on Monday that EU leaders would swiftly approve new military funding for Kiev. Her proposal to extend arms deliveries into 2025 has met with resistance from certain member states.
Italy, Portugal, and Spain have voiced opposition to the plan, while France and Germany remain undecided, according to Politico. The proposed €10 billion package is scheduled for discussion at the March 6 EU summit and includes weapons, ammunition, air defense systems, and expanded military training for Ukrainian forces.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has previously criticized the EU’s approach, arguing that Brussels has effectively “banned” the word ‘peace’ from discussions regarding Ukraine.
Moscow has consistently warned against Western arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that they only prolong the conflict without changing the outcome, while increasing the risk of a direct clash between Russia and NATO. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko has suggested that the EU could help resolve the crisis by ceasing military and logistical support.
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