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Slovakia supports the launch of the first negotiation cluster in Ukraine’s European Union accession process and backs the opening of the remaining chapters as talks progress, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said following talks with his Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanár in Vinnytsia.
According to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, Sybiha noted that Bratislava supports the opening of the first cluster and subsequently all remaining negotiation clusters required for Ukraine’s path toward EU membership, UATV English reports.
The ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in the defense sector. Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Sybiha said Ukraine remains open to developing joint defense industry projects with Slovakia and other European partners.
“We discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in the defense industry. Ukraine is open to joint defense projects with partners, including within the framework of the SAFE instrument. We are ready to work with Slovakia in this area because strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities simultaneously strengthens Europe’s security,” Sybiha said.
The minister thanked Slovakia for supporting all 20 European Union sanctions packages imposed on Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion.
“Sanctions remain one of the key tools for forcing Russia toward peace. At the same time, pressure must continue to increase, particularly in sectors that are critical to the Russian budget. We count on continued cooperation with Slovakia on this issue,” he added.
Sybiha also expressed appreciation for Slovakia’s contribution to international initiatives supporting humanitarian demining efforts and the construction of shelters across Ukraine.
“This is extremely important assistance that saves lives today and creates conditions for the safe recovery and reconstruction of Ukrainian communities tomorrow,” he said.
The Ukrainian foreign minister described the discussions with Blanár as open, practical, and substantive. The two sides reviewed the security situation, developments on the battlefield, and broader regional challenges.
According to Sybiha, Ukraine’s current military positions are among the strongest in recent years, which is why Russia has increasingly resorted to attacks against civilians after failing to achieve its strategic objectives on the battlefield.
“That is why strengthening air defense remains critically important. At present, all of our efforts are focused on enhancing Ukraine’s ability to protect its people and infrastructure from Russian attacks,” he said.
The ministers also discussed the implementation of agreements reached between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, as well as preparations for future bilateral meetings and initiatives.
The talks took place in Vinnytsia on June 5 during the visit of Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár to Ukraine. The visit began with a tribute to Ukrainian defenders in the city.
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