Brussels/Bratislava – Slovakia Opposes US Proposal for Long-Range Missiles to Ukraine
Slovakia has voiced its disapproval of the recent proposal from the American administration that would permit Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles against targets within Russian territory. This statement was made by Marek Eštok, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday, as reported by TASR.
Eštok highlighted that the Council discussed several pressing matters, including the situations in Ukraine, Georgia following its parliamentary elections, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa.
The topic that garnered the most attention was the outgoing US President Joe Biden’s decision allowing Ukraine to utilize American long-range missiles for strikes deeper into Russia. Eštok noted that this was not a central topic of discussion but was mentioned briefly. “There was a call for those countries that have previously supplied (Ukraine) with comparable weapons, akin to the American long-range missiles, to maximize the technical capabilities of these weapons, similar to what the US has decided,” he explained.
Reiterating a sentiment expressed by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Eštok emphasized that Slovakia views the American proposal as an escalation that does not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“From the outset, Slovakia’s position has been clear. We advocate for peaceful solutions and initiatives, and we do not see this proposal as a viable path to achieving peace,” he stated.
Eštok further remarked that this decision stems from the outgoing American administration, expressing hope that the incoming administration will pursue alternative solutions to the situation in Ukraine.
“The elected President Donald Trump has consistently asserted his belief that he can bring an end to the war in Ukraine, and we are all eager to see how he intends to accomplish this. Slovak diplomacy will support any peaceful resolution that halts the violence on both sides,” Eštok conveyed. (November 18th).
“From the outset, Slovakia’s position has been clear. We advocate for peaceful solutions and initiatives, and we do not see this proposal as a viable path to achieving peace.” Marek Eštok
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