EÅ¡tok: Slovakia Views Joe Biden’s Ukraine Proposal as a Source of Escalating Tensions

Brussels/Bratislava – Slovakia has officially rejected the U.S. administration's proposal that would permit Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles against targets within Russia. This announcement was made by Marek Eštok, State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, as reported by TASR.

Eštok noted that the Council addressed several critical issues, including the situations in Ukraine and Georgia following recent parliamentary elections, as well as matters concerning the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

The most discussed issue was outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's decision allowing Ukraine to use American long-range missiles against targets deeper into Russia. Eštok clarified that this subject was only briefly mentioned and not a primary focus of the discussions. He explained that there was a call for countries that have already supplied Ukraine with similar weaponry to fully utilize the technical capabilities of these missiles, akin to the U.S. decision.

Eštok reiterated Prime Minister Robert Fico's stance, emphasizing that Slovakia views the U.S. proposal as an escalation of the conflict, which would not contribute to a peaceful resolution.

“Slovakia's position has always been clear. We advocate for peaceful solutions and initiatives, and we do not see this as a pathway to peace,” he stated.

He pointed out that this decision stems from the outgoing American administration, and expressed hope that the incoming administration would pursue a different approach to the situation in Ukraine.

“President-elect Donald Trump has consistently asserted his belief that he can bring an end to the war in Ukraine, and we are eager to see how he will accomplish this. Slovak diplomacy will endorse any peaceful resolution that can halt the violence on both sides,” Eštok concluded. (November 18th).

“Slovakia’s position has been clear from the beginning. We support peaceful solutions and initiatives, and we do not consider this as a way to achieve a peaceful solution.” Marek Eštok