In Slovakia, there is no reason to panic in the case of the war in Ukraine
He reacted to Sunday’s reports of a Russian bombing of a military base near the Polish border. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he emphasized the importance of collective protection resulting from NATO membership. “The readiness of our allies is very high, and even at the meeting of leaders in Versailles, my partners declared their readiness to protect us if necessary.” said the prime minister.
He also emphasized the unity of the European community in condemning the Russian aggression, as well as solidarity and assistance to the Ukrainians. “The struggle not only for our lives, but also for us. We must realize this as well as the fact that Putin needs to be needed in Ukraine so that he does not even think about goals.” he said.
He also commented on speculation in the American media that during the next week’s visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Slovakia Lloyd Austin, the supply of the S-300 anti-aircraft system for Ukraine could be jeopardized. “It will involve negotiating a lot of things, and this may be a topic, but it’s important to say that your own territory is paramount. You can’t give up technology if you don’t have your own protection, and the Allies are well aware of that.” Heger emphasized.
He sees aid to Ukraine not only in humanitarian and material aid, but also in the moral support associated with its integration efforts. According to Heger, it is important to send a strong political signal to Ukraine. “This is also what Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for his country to see a European perspective,” recalled. In the long run, I think that Europe itself, including Slovakia, can also benefit from the enlargement of the EU to include a renewed Ukraine. “It is in our interest to have a stable and prosperous country in the neighborhood, to affect the prosperity and development of the whole region,” warned.
He reiterated that the current aggression of the Kremlin is an important pressure in the form of sanctions, and is therefore considered another effective tool. In the face of the threat of an energy crisis, which could occur by stopping gas supplies from the Russian Federation, she emphasized oil of European unity. “The European Commission is due to propose proposals for a common approach to the next two-week summit in the event of a supply disruption from Russia.” he added. He stressed that even if this threat was not found, intensive efforts were needed to address gas and oil security scenarios.
The premiere also reacted to Saturday’s (March 12) statement by coalition MP Igor Kašper (We Are Family), who announced in the RTVS Saturday Dialogues radio discussion the possibility of reducing VAT on fuels and food. However, Heger did not confirm Kasper’s words that the coalition was already negotiating. “I can’t confirm, it was a surprise to me, I admit.” he put on Kashper’s words.