Slovak Defense Ministry Challenges Halt of Probe into MIG Donations to Ukraine
Bratislava’s decision to contest the suspension of a criminal investigation underscores growing political tensions surrounding military aid provided to Kyiv.
The Slovak Ministry of Defense is formally challenging the recent decision to suspend a criminal prosecution related to the donation of MIG-29 fighter jets and KUB air defense systems to Ukraine. The move, initiated under the leadership of Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák, signals a deepening rift within the Slovak government regarding the legality and implications of providing military assistance to Ukraine.
According to reports from Aktuality.sk, a specialized team – the “Donor” team – established by Minister of the Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok, has ceased its investigation into the transfer of the military equipment. The Bratislava Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on October 30th that the investigation, initially focused on potential breaches of duty in the management of foreign property and abuse of authority, was halted.
“There was a sufficiently justified conclusion that this act is not a criminal offense and there is no reason to refer the matter,” explained Gabriela Kováčová, a spokesperson for the regional prosecutor’s office, two weeks prior.
However, the Ministry of Defense has filed a formal complaint against this decision. While the complaint has been lodged with the investigating authorities, it remains unsubstantiated as of today. “We have information from the PZ investigator that the complaint has been filed, but it has not yet been substantiated,” Kováčová clarified. The police have declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the preliminary proceedings, which are currently closed to the public.
The donation of military aid to Ukraine was a central theme during the recent election cycle, and the suspension of the investigation has drawn criticism from representatives of the current governing coalition, including Prime Minister Robert Fico. The prosecutor’s office maintains that the investigation failed to establish evidence of financial damage to the Slovak Republic resulting from the donation of the MIG-29s, KUB launchers, and associated radar systems. Furthermore, investigators found no indication that government officials acted with the intent to secure personal or undue benefits.
The SMER-SSD party, led by Prime Minister Fico, has expressed “serious concern” over the investigator’s decisions. “We are attacked on a daily basis as to how we want to ensure the correction of the wrongs that occurred in the years 2020-2023. For example, it is practically impossible to explain to citizens how the police can stop the prosecution in the matter of huge military donations to Ukraine with the conclusion that no damage has occurred,” Fico stated following the report by Aktuality.sk.
Fico questioned the rationale behind the previous administration’s decision to donate the S-300 air defense system and the entire MIG-29 squadron to Ukraine without compensation. He characterized the investigator’s conclusion – that the donation did not fundamentally weaken Slovak defense capabilities – as evidence of “absolute political activism in favor of the current opposition.”
The Prime Minister has urged all professional structures within SMER-SSD, now integrated into the Ministry of the Interior, to respond effectively to criticism of the police’s current work. This latest development underscores the complex political landscape surrounding Slovakia’s relationship with Ukraine and the ongoing debate over the appropriate level of support for Kyiv.
