Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has halted military aid to Ukraine, denounced EU sanctions on Russia, and called Ukraine a “puppet of the United States”. His government insists Slovakia stands for peace, not escalation. Yet, behind this rhetoric, Slovakia’s arms exports have skyrocketed—growing tenfold since Russia’s invasion. In 2023 alone, the country exported €1.15 billion worth of weaponry, surpassing even the Czech Republic, a nation with a much larger defence industry.
While Fico opposes military support for Ukraine, Slovakia’s private and state-owned arms manufacturers continue producing and exporting weapons at record levels, fueled by EU and NATO procurement contracts. The war that Slovakia’s leadership claims it wants to de-escalate is the same war its defence industry is helping sustain.
Under Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovakia has taken a sharply anti-Ukraine stance, halting military aid and opposing EU sanctions on Russia. Since returning to power in October 2023, Fico has called Ukraine a “puppet of the United States”, pledged to veto its NATO membership, and argued for an immediate ceasefire, even if it means territorial concessions to Russia. His government presents Slovakia as a neutral actor advocating peace, distancing itself from European military support for Kyiv.
Yet, at the same time, Slovakia’s arms exports have soared, largely due to the war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion, the country’s defence industry has expanded rapidly, with weapons exports increasing tenfold. In 2023, Slovakia exported €1.15 billion worth of arms, surpassing even the Czech Republic, which has a much larger defence industry. Ammunition production, in particular, has skyrocketed, as it remains one of the most urgently needed supplies on the battlefield.
While the government insists on a “peace first” narrative, Slovak companies continue producing and exporting weapons at record levels, fueled by EU and NATO procurement efforts. Private defence firms, especially those with foreign investors, are thriving, securing major contracts and expanding their production capacities. Even state-owned weapons manufacturers, though struggling with efficiency issues, remain key players in arms production.
This contrast—between Fico’s anti-war rhetoric and Slovakia’s booming arms industry—highlights the complexities of the country’s role in the ongoing war. While the government publicly opposes military support for Ukraine, Slovak-made weapons continue flowing to the front lines, driven by market demand and European rearmament efforts.
Source: Filip Obradovič | Denník N
