Ukraine Accuses Slovakia of Shifting Blame Over Drone Incursion
BRATISLAVA – Ukraine has urged Slovakia to acknowledge Moscow’s responsibility for this week’s drone incursion into Polish airspace, after senior Slovak officials voiced doubts and called for an investigation, reports 24brussels.
During a press conference on Thursday, Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi described the entry of Russian drones into Polish territory as “an empirical fact that does not require belief,” according to the Kyiv Independent. He labelled the violation as “a fully deliberate escalation on Russia’s part” and urged Bratislava “not to shift responsibility away from Moscow with inappropriate doubts, but to recognise reality as it is.”
Tykhyi’s comments came in response to Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár’s assertion that “the drones that entered Polish territory were not intended to attack Poland, but were meant to end up in Ukrainian territory.” Other officials, including Prime Minister Robert Fico, also refrained from directly naming Russia, opting instead to suggest that the incident be investigated.
In response to Ukraine’s condemnation, Slovakia’s foreign ministry dismissed the criticism, stating that Tykhyi’s remarks mirrored “the rhetoric of the Slovak opposition and opposition media.” The ministry emphasized that “the Slovak government is not absolving the Russian Federation of responsibility,” but called for “a responsible evaluation of this incident,” while reaffirming its solidarity with Poland.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the debate highlights the complexities of regional security dynamics. Both Poland and Slovakia are NATO allies, but differing narratives regarding Russian actions reveal ongoing diplomatic challenges. The situation illustrates the necessity for clear communication and unified responses among European nations in the face of aggression.
Reflecting on the broader implications, analysts warn that ambiguous statements from Slovak officials could undermine collective security efforts within the EU and provoke further Russian miscalculation. The situation remains a flashpoint for regional stability, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response from European powers.
