Heger: No Reason for Panic in Slovakia Regarding War in Ukraine

(RTVS, 'O pat minut dvanast', March 13) Slovakia must be prepared for anything, however, at the moment there's no reason to panic in connection with the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine and the possible shift of the war line to the immediate vicinity of Slovakia, Premier Eduard Heger (OLaNO) said on RTVS's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday. Heger reacted in this way to Sunday's news on Russians bombing a military base near the Polish border. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he emphasized the importance of collective protection resulting from the NATO membership. "At the meeting of leaders in Versailles, my partners declared their readiness to protect us if necessary," stated the premier. He highlighted the unity of the European community in condemning the Russian aggression, as well as in solidarity and aid to Ukrainians. "They [Ukrainians] are fighting not only for their lives, but also for us. We have to realise this, as well as the fact that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin needs to be halted in Ukraine so that he does not even think of any other goals," stated Heger. The premier also commented on rumours that delivery of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine might be one of the issues on the agenda of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin's talks during his visit to Slovakia next week. "I assume that many things will be discussed, and this might be one of them, but there's need to say that the security of one's own territory is paramount. You can't give up your military equipment if you don't have your own protection ensured and allies are aware of it as well," stressed Heger. Heger sees help to Ukraine not only in humanitarian and material aid, but also in the moral support related to its integration efforts. According to Heger, it is important to send a strong political signal to Ukraine. "This is also what [Ukrainian President] Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls for, so that his country sees European prospects," he said, adding it's also in our interest to have stable and prosperous countries in our neighbourhood. ko