Slovakia Pledges 14th Aid Package to Ukraine, Emphasizing Demining and Engineering

Slovakia Unveils New Aid Package in Kyiv

On Monday, October 6, 2025, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák announced a new, 14th aid package for Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv. The announcement was made at the Third International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC3). This package specifically focuses on engineering and mine action assistance, a critical need for Ukraine. Kaliňák stated that a memorandum on the support package was signed with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Details of the Non-Lethal Assistance

The newly announced aid package is notably non-lethal and includes a range of essential equipment. Ukraine is set to receive:

• Engineering and construction equipment
• Five Bozena demining vehicles
• Transport vehicles
• Demining systems
• Medical evacuation equipment

The Bozena-5 system, for instance, is a remotely controlled vehicle designed to clear both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, capable of clearing a 2,655-meter-wide strip.

Shift in Slovak Aid Policy

This 14th aid package marks a significant development as it is the first military assistance provided by Slovakia since Robert Fico returned to power as Prime Minister in October 2023. The Fico government had previously rejected a planned 14th military aid package in November 2023, which was valued at €40.3 million and included lethal aid such as ammunition and missiles. While direct military aid from state stockpiles was halted, Slovak defense companies continued to sell weapons to Ukraine.

Expanding Defense Cooperation

During his visit, Minister Kaliňák emphasized his presence in Kyiv to work with his Ukrainian counterparts on identifying potential projects to expand 'our already quite comprehensive defense cooperation.' He also highlighted Slovakia's increased defense production capabilities since the full-scale Russian invasion, noting a fifteenfold increase in artillery ammunition production capacity and a threefold increase in indirect fire systems. Kaliňák mentioned a recently completed joint project with Denmark to supply 16 fully automated Zuzana howitzers. Defense cooperation was also a key topic during a recent meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and is slated for further discussion at the upcoming fourth joint intergovernmental session. Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal indicated that Bratislava is already working on a 15th support package for Kyiv.