Simecka Views Slovak Government's Steps in Supporting Ukraine as Confusing

Brussels/Bratislava, 23 October (TASR) - Opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party leader Michal Simecka said in Brussels on Thursday that he hopes for more intensive cooperation with Ukraine in the future, describing the steps taken by the Slovak government in terms of supporting Ukraine, especially in the military area, as confusing. Meanwhile, Simecka, who came to Brussels for a meeting of members of the liberal Renew Europe faction, praised the government for finally supporting the adoption of a new package of anti-Russian sanctions. Simecka expressed his disagreement with the government's opinion, which rejects military cooperation with Ukraine when it comes to donating weapons and military equipment. "However, extensive cooperation between Slovak companies and the defence sector is taking place on a commercial basis, so Slovak weapons end up in Ukraine and support its defence against Russia anyway," he said in a video posted on social media. Simecka reiterated his consistent position that Slovakia should help Ukraine more. He finds it confusing that cooperation is currently taking place only on a commercial basis. "If we can sell weapons to Ukraine, why can't we help it directly?," he asked. According to the opposition leader, Slovakia should not be, hasn't been and won't be isolated from the joint European effort to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He also hopes that Slovakia will once again become a constructive partner, which, in his opinion, is the will of the majority of the Slovak population. "Despite some confusing stances and opinions of its government, Slovakia desires to be in a Europe built on the rule of law and democracy, and generally wants to show solidarity with Ukraine and stand up to Russian aggression," said Simecka. ko/df