Slovakia condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine near its border

Slovakia has condemned the Russian air strikes on Ukraine carried out on May 13 and during the night of May 14, with Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár warning that the attacks undermine prospects for peace.

The statement was issued by the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlining Bratislava’s strong reaction to the escalation.

“Slovakia condemns yesterday’s and today’s massive air strikes by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, which even reached Uzhhorod in the Zakarpattia region near the border with the Slovak Republic, where a large Slovak minority also lives,” Blanár said.

The minister emphasised that the strikes came immediately after brief ceasefire periods, which he said had created a potential opening for diplomatic progress.

He noted that these pauses in hostilities “could have created space for de-escalation of tensions, a long-term and sustainable ceasefire, and at the same time the continuation of peace negotiations.”

Blanár further warned that continued military escalation is counterproductive to any efforts aimed at ending the war.

“Further attacks on civilian areas and critical infrastructure, both on the territory of Ukraine and Russia, do not contribute to the development of the peace process. On the contrary, such escalation limits the space for peaceful dialogue on how to end the war and achieve a lasting and just peace,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova