Slovakia increased arms exports to Ukraine to €1.15 billion: how to reconcile this with Fico's statements.

Arms Export from Slovakia to Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: Slovakia is increasing arms exports to Ukraine, despite Prime Minister Robert Fico's promises to end military aid. According to reports, arms exports in 2024 rose to €1.15 billion, which is approximately 1% of the country's GDP. This figure is nearly double the arms export volumes in 2023. Slovakia has become one of the fastest-growing arms exporters in the world, and from 2022 to 2024, the share of arms exports to the country's GDP reached about 0.7%.

Political Context and Discussions

The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, came to power in October 2023 and announced his intention to stop military aid to Ukraine. However, despite these statements, the volumes of arms exports continue to grow. The Slovak news portal SME estimates that arms exports in 2025 may reach 1.7-2% of GDP.

The situation has sparked discussions among experts. Igor Melichar noted that this trend demonstrates not support for the war, but rather support for trade. He also emphasized that the government of the country is fulfilling its promise not to send any bullets from state stockpiles to Ukraine. Melichar pointed out that restrictions on defense companies would be quite hypocritical, considering the increase in export figures.

“This trend demonstrates not support for the war, but rather support for trade.”

Igor Melichar

The growth of arms exports from Slovakia to Ukraine highlights the complexity of the political context in which the country finds itself. Despite the new administration's promises to halt military support, economic interests related to the defense industry play a significant role in shaping foreign policy. This also reflects a broader trend in the region, where countries are trying to balance internal political promises with external commitments, especially in the context of rising conflicts.