SNS Rejects "Sending Soldiers to Ukraine", Criticises Defence Ministry's Plan

Bratislava, February 3 (TASR) - The coalition Slovak National Party (SNS), in response to a Defence Ministry's document proposing that Slovakia could send troops to Germany and Belgium to participate in a NATO-led Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission, has stated that it refuses to "send Slovak soldiers to Ukraine". SNS called on Premier Robert Fico and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (both Smer-SD) to reject the idea in light of recent events in Slovakia, TASR has learnt from SNS spokeswoman Zuzana Skopcova. "We believe that Defence Minister Robert Kalinak shouldn't even consider such an activity after events occurring in Slovakia related to an attack on the constitutional order," stated the party, urging the minister to halt all activities aimed at the NSATU mission. These activities, according to the party, aren't in line with the interests of European countries. SNS believes that Kalinak and Fico will convey the position of the Slovak government to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during his visit to Slovakia. The Defence Ministry is currently evaluating a proposal to send soldiers to participate in the NATO-led NSATU mission. Up to six soldiers would be sent to NSATU headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, and in Mons, Belgium. A maximum of four soldiers would be deployed in Slovakia to manage troop movements and coordinate a logistics hub by establishing the so-called Logistic Enabling Node - Slovakia. The main mission of NSATU, according to the document, is to centralise the coordination of support for Ukraine within NATO. The key tasks of NSATU will include overseeing security assistance, supporting the transfer of donated equipment, repairing equipment, training soldiers outside of Ukraine and supporting the long-term development of the Ukrainian armed forces. "By launching NSATU, NATO will not become part of the conflict. NSATU will operate exclusively on Allied territory," stresses the ministry's document. lin/df/mf