Introduction
The bitter political divide in Slovakia Ukraine aid scandal over military support for Ukraine has reached a new level after police attempted to arrest former Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad. The case, initiated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), is being seen by many as a politically charged attack linked to Slovakia’s shifting foreign policy under its new populist government led by Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Police Attempt to Arrest Ex-Defence Minister
Slovak police arrived at Nad’s home on Wednesday morning, only to find that the former minister was abroad on vacation. Nad, now leader of the minor Demokrati party, responded publicly, claiming that the investigation was a political witch hunt designed to fulfill campaign promises made by the ruling coalition Slovakia Ukraine aid scandal.
“The ruling coalition needs to show its voters that their promises — that I would end up in prison for this help — are being fulfilled,” Nad told the BBC from Canada.
European Prosecutor Investigates €7.4M in Misused Funds
The EPPO stated that eight individuals, including four officials from the Slovak Ministry of Defence, were detained as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of €7.4 million in state funds. The inquiry focuses on Slovakia’s previous emergency purchase of 12,000 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition from state-owned defense company Konstrukta. The ammunition had been previously sold off as obsolete but was repurchased at a significantly higher price amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Slovakia Ukraine aid scandal.
Slovakia’s Supreme Audit Office flagged this buyback as financially irregular, which became the basis for the criminal investigation. Prosecutors now suspect that the procurement process may have been rigged and overpriced.
Pro-Russian Shift Under Fico’s Government
The case highlights the sharp political shift since Robert Fico returned to power in 2023, campaigning on promises to halt military aid to Ukraine. His government accuses Nad of treason for donating critical military equipment to Ukraine, including Slovakia’s only S-300 missile system and its entire fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets.
Fico recently floated the idea of Slovak neutrality, saying, “In these absurd times of rearmament, neutrality would suit Slovakia very well.” His remarks reflect a growing bloc of Slovak politicians advocating for reduced involvement in the Ukraine conflict and closer ties with Russia, drawing comparisons to autocratic trends seen in Russia and Belarus.
Fico Government Denies Political Interference
Despite the political overtones, current Defence Minister Robert Kalinak insists that the investigation is legally justified and fully independent. “Criminal proceedings were initiated based on the audit office report and are now continuing under the European Public Prosecutor’s Office,” Kalinak told reporters.
Slovakia’s Divided Role in Ukraine War
While Fico’s government halted state military aid to Ukraine, Slovak private arms companies continue to play a significant role in supplying ammunition and weapons to Ukraine through commercial contracts.
- Slovakia previously donated its sole S-300 missile defense battery to Ukraine.
- It also supplied Ukraine with 13 decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets.
- Fico’s new government has ceased official state military donations but allows private arms sales to continue.
Conclusion
The arrest attempt against Jaroslav Nad has escalated Slovakia’s internal rift over its Ukraine policy. As Slovakia drifts closer to neutrality and pro-Russian alignment under Fico, the case raises broader concerns about democratic backsliding and politicized justice in Eastern Europe. The coming months could determine whether Slovakia remains aligned with NATO and EU values or veers toward growing authoritarianism in the region.
Recommended Read: More on Europe’s Political Tensions Over Ukraine War
