A secret meeting with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, a wave of dismissals targeting seasoned Slovak diplomats, and the mass hiring of Russian-educated personnel under dubious pretences—Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár’s actions have sparked allegations of a deliberate shift in Slovakia’s foreign policy. Former diplomat Ivan Novotný, who was fired alongside his partner in what he calls a cynical and ideologically driven purge, reveals how the ministry justified these changes with false claims of austerity, while ushering in Kremlin-trained staff. As conspiracy theories and opaque decisions define Blanár’s leadership, concerns mount over Slovakia’s commitment to EU values and its geopolitical future.
Seasoned Diplomats Ousted and Replaced by 146 Russian-Educated Recruits
Ivan Novotný, who served directly in the cabinet of Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár until November, recounts his abrupt dismissal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He describes how both he and his partner, Metod Špaček, were let go under circumstances he perceives as cynical and unprofessional. According to Novotný, Blanár displayed a façade of cordiality while orchestrating their departures, failing to provide transparent explanations or adhere to standard protocols.
The ministry justified the termination of seasoned diplomats like Novotný by citing the need for organisational restructuring and cost-saving measures. However, Novotný points out that this rationale is misleading. Public information requests reveal that the ministry has hired approximately 146 new employees, according to data obtained through Slovakia’s Freedom of Information Act. Many of these recruits are graduates of Russian institutions such as the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and St. Petersburg University. This number significantly exceeds the roughly 30 diplomats who were dismissed, suggesting that the personnel changes are ideological and deliberate rather than financially motivated.
Novotný emphasizes that many of these new hires completed their studies after 2014—the year Russia annexed Crimea and intensified its actions in Eastern Ukraine. He expresses concern that these individuals were educated in environments influenced by Russian state narratives, which may conflict with Slovakia’s commitments as an EU member. The replacement of experienced diplomats with Russian-educated staff raises questions about the ministry’s objectives and the potential reorientation of Slovakia’s foreign policy.
Blanár’s Closest Aides Left in the Dark About Secret Lavrov Meeting
As a member of the Slovak delegation and a direct participant in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Novotný witnessed firsthand the secretive actions of Minister Blanár. He recounts that during the assembly, Blanár arranged an undisclosed meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which was not part of the official agenda and was concealed from the rest of the delegation.
Novotný describes how Blanár and Ján Kubiš—currently an advisor to President Peter Pellegrini—diverted from the scheduled events without informing their colleagues. The delegation only learned of the meeting through Russian state media reports, causing confusion and embarrassment. Novotný asserts that such clandestine arrangements deviate from standard diplomatic practices and undermine transparency.
When questioned about the meeting, official explanations were vague, citing discussions on energy security and Slovakia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Novotný challenges this justification, noting that Security Council seats are determined by the General Assembly, where Russia holds the same voting power as any other nation. He suggests that the secretive nature of the meeting fuels speculation about undisclosed agendas and raises concerns about Slovakia’s foreign policy direction.
Blanár Repeats Kremlin Narratives Behind Closed Doors, Eroding Trust in Slovak Diplomacy
Novotný portrays Minister Blanár as a politician with a provincial mindset, lacking the sophistication required for international diplomacy. He alleges that Blanár genuinely believes in debunked conspiracy theories propagated by Russian disinformation campaigns. Shortly after assuming office, Blanár instructed his staff to find evidence supporting the false claim that 14,000 Russians were killed in Eastern Ukraine before Russia’s invasion—a narrative used by the Kremlin to justify its actions. Despite exhaustive research yielding no such evidence, the minister remained convinced of its validity.
In closed diplomatic forums, Blanár reportedly voiced these unfounded beliefs, which undermines Slovakia’s credibility on the international stage. Novotný shares personal experiences where Blanár’s actions eroded trust and transparency within the ministry. He describes instances where the minister displayed cynicism and unpredictability, traits that are detrimental in diplomacy and intelligence professions where trust and value-based predictability are paramount.
Novotný expresses concern that Blanár’s approach not only jeopardizes professional relationships but also compromises Slovakia’s ability to effectively engage with international partners. The minister’s adherence to conspiracy theories and lack of transparency may lead to isolation and diminish the country’s standing within the European Union.
Economic Diplomacy or EU Exit Strategy? Slovakia’s Direction Under Blanár
The interview further reveals that Minister Blanár maintains unusually close relations with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, engaging in frequent informal contacts not observed with other foreign ministers. Novotný suggests that this relationship may indicate a coordination with Hungary’s foreign policy, which often diverges from mainstream EU positions and exhibits closer ties to Russia.
There is growing apprehension that under Prime Minister Robert Fico and Minister Blanár, Slovakia may be preparing to distance itself from the European Union. The government’s emphasis on economic diplomacy outside the EU could be a strategic pivot towards non-EU alliances. Such a shift may involve strengthening ties with nations like Russia and adopting policies that conflict with EU standards on democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
Novotný warns that these developments could have profound implications for Slovakia’s future, potentially isolating the country from its traditional allies and undermining the collective security arrangements provided by EU and NATO memberships. He emphasizes the need for vigilance and advocacy to maintain Slovakia’s commitment to European values.
Source: Miro Kern | Denník N
