Pellegrini Rejects All Requests to Serve in Foreign Armed Forces

Bratislava, 5 August (TASR) – President Peter Pellegrini has rejected all applications for permission to serve in the armed forces of a foreign state, and since the beginning of his term, he has received seven such requests — three of which were submitted this year, the President's Office press department told TASR on Tuesday. „In July 2024, two Slovak citizens applied for permission to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The same number of applications was registered in August 2024. Additionally, the President received two more applications in July this year. In the same month, he also received one application from a Slovak citizen requesting permission to serve in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," the department stated. The President emphasised that the rejections are consistent with his stance declared upon assuming office. „I stand by my promise not to permit service in a foreign army that is engaged in fighting or conflict," he noted. According to Pellegrini, the Slovak Republic, as a member state of the European Union and NATO, respects the principles of international law and supports only peaceful solutions to conflicts. Under the Act on Conscription, it is the president who must grant permission for any service in foreign armed forces. Applications are submitted to district authorities and must be reviewed by the ministries of defence, interior, and foreign affairs. mf/mcs