Slovak president makes farewell visit to Ukraine
Her term ends in June, and newly elected President Pellegrini is more pro-Russian
Slovak President Zuzana Chaputova arrived in Ukraine on a visit and held talks with her Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy wrote on his social media that he thanked Chaputova "for the determination and moral leadership that has been shown in the face of this war".
Zelenskyy added that he had informed Chaputova "about another Russian attempt to expand offensive actions in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions and also about our needs, in particular, armed forces, to disrupt what the occupier is trying to do."
"Not all of our partners are fulfilling the agreements promptly, and we need maximum concentration of Ukraine's friends to speed up the supply. I am grateful to every leader who helps us in this," Zelenskyy added.
Chaputova noted that her country has sheltered Ukrainian refugees since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion and was one of the first to provide military assistance, including air defence systems and aircraft. According to her, cooperation between the two countries continues: there is an agreement to complete and launch the Kyiv-Kosice railway connection and increase electricity transit.
"This tragedy must be stopped. The entire civilised world must take part in this. Only a just peace is acceptable. We greatly respect your courage and steadfastness. You are defending not only your own country, but also the principles on which our security is based," she assured.
Zuzana Chaputova arrived in Ukraine for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in May 2022. This is her third visit since then.
According to the Slovak TV station ST-24, this is Chaputova's farewell visit as president.
The Slovak head of state's term expires in June, and the Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Voice – Social Democracy party Peter Pellegrini was recently elected as the new president.
According to experts, Pellegrini's election will strengthen the power of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who opposes military aid to Kyiv and often agrees with Russian assessments of the war in Ukraine.
Background. As reported, Slovaks have raised money for 2,700 shells for Ukraine in protest against the Fico government's policy. Initially, they were counting on a million euros, but this amount was raised in two days.
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