Following the election victory of pro-Russia candidate Fico, Slovakia suspends aid to Ukraine.

The interim government of Slovakia has announced a pause in providing additional military assistance to Ukraine due to ongoing discussions among political parties who do not support this aid, in the aftermath of last weekend’s election.

According to a spokesperson, the current bureaucratic administration in Slovakia has decided to halt the shipment of military supplies to Ukraine. However, the defense ministry is contemplating providing a new package of assistance.

The Smer party, led by former Prime Minister Robert Fico, was victorious in the recent parliamentary election. Their platform included pledges to cease sending weapons to Ukraine, prevent Kyiv from joining NATO, and resist imposing sanctions on Russia.

On Monday, Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová requested that Fico attempt to create a coalition government. He must complete this task by October 16.

The spokesperson for Čaputová, Martin Strižinec, stated that the decision regarding this matter should align with the results of the recent parliamentary elections and the ongoing government-formation negotiations. He also emphasized that making a decision on providing military assistance at this time could set a precedent for future changes in political leadership.

In 2018, Fico stepped down from his position as prime minister due to widespread demonstrations in response to the killing of a journalist investigating corruption.