Slovak defense minister prioritizes Ukrainian refugee repatriation

During a television discussion on Ta3, Kaliniak referenced a summit in Paris orchestrated by President Emmanuel Macron at the end of February. He highlighted that Western nations seem preoccupied with the idea of deploying their troops to Ukraine rather than focusing on the plight of Ukrainian refugees, many of whom have sought sanctuary in different countries, including Slovakia.

Kaliniak pointed out that these refugees include individuals obliged to adhere to Ukrainian mobilization laws. He argues that their return to Ukraine could significantly bolster the military effort there.

The Slovak Defense Ministry's leader observed that about 300,000 Ukrainians fit this profile. - We should indeed facilitate the departure of these young Ukrainians who are eligible for mobilization, specifically those of the appropriate age and condition for military service, excluding the young, the elderly, children, mothers, and others, - Kaliniak stated.

In response, Martin Dubeci, a deputy from the opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS), countered in the TV debate that Ukraine has not called for the return of these men. The country has, instead, requested ammunition.