Slovakia’s decision to transfer MiG-29 to Ukraine is important for the formation of an “air” coalition that can change the situation at the front

This was stated by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk during a meeting with Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Eduard Heger.

He congratulated the Head of the Slovak Government on his regular visit to Ukraine, especially in the days when our country celebrates the memorable dates - the liberation of Kyiv region from the russian invader.

The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament thanked Slovakia for its continued support and assistance and expressed hope for further cooperation, especially in providing military support in countering russia’s military aggression.

“We in Ukraine greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the Slovak Government. In particular, we are grateful for the decision to provide Ukraine with MiG-29. This is very important for us, especially at a time when, after the “tank” coalition, we are forming an “air” coalition that can significantly change the situation at the front,” Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed.

In addition, he noted Slovakia’s contribution to supporting important political decisions for Ukraine, including the recognition of the russian regime as a terrorist and Russia as a state that supports terrorism. In addition, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament called on his Slovak colleagues to show another symbolic gesture of support for the Ukrainian people and recognise the Holodomor of 1932-33 as genocide of our nation.

Another important issue raised during the meeting was the issue of a just peace in this war. Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Slovakia for joining the 141 countries that initiated the UN General Assembly resolution and actually supported the main provisions of the peace formula proposed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

In this context, the parties discussed the creation of a special tribunal as one of the steps towards establishing justice.

“I would like to emphasise that Ukraine, like the entire civilised world, welcomes the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for vladimir putin. We would like to see this procedural thing turn into a guilty verdict for the act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. I hope that Slovakia will, as always, support Ukraine in this regard,” the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed.

The parties also discussed the issue of sanctions policy and Slovakia’s support for it. Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that several aspects of this issue are important for Ukraine now: strengthening control over the sanctions already imposed, combating the circumvention of sanctions restrictions, and working to expand the sanctions coalition.

 

“All the sanctions adopted should work to the maximum and, in combination, finally produce the expected effect when it becomes economically painful for russia to wage this war,” the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine stressed.

He also called on Slovakia to support Ukraine on its European and Euro-Atlantic path. In particular, Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that Ukraine is now ready for full membership in the EU and NATO and expects unconditional support from friendly Slovakia in this regard.

At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament invited the representatives of the Slovak Parliament to participate in the second Summit of the International Crimean Platform in Prague this year.

For his part, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Eduard Heger expressed his admiration for the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the powerful work of the authorities, in particular the Parliament of Ukraine, in difficult times of war.

“Your people are showing extraordinary courage in this war and this is an example for the whole world. We look at you with support and admiration. Your fight against evil is unprecedented, because you are fighting for our values, for our security and our freedom. And we are sincerely grateful to you for your struggle,” Eduard Heger said.

He also assured his Ukrainian counterpart that Slovakia would always stand by Ukraine.

“We will continue our support, not only humanitarian but also military. You mentioned the transfer of aircraft. This is a difficult political decision, but we made it because it was the right one.

We will help you until you win. And you will win, we are convinced of that!” the Prime Minister of Slovakia expressed confidence.

He also stressed that Slovakia has been and remains a supporter of Ukraine’s full membership in the EU and NATO and will comprehensively assist us in obtaining such prospects in the near future.

“You will be a democratic free country, moreover, you will become a member of the European Union. We will help you in this with our experience and all the support we can provide.

And of course, we support your accession to NATO. The Ukrainian army is now very experienced, and we will help Ukraine to become a NATO member,” Eduard Heger assured at the end of the meeting.

https://www.rada.gov.ua/en/news/News/top_news/234879.html