Investigation Concludes No Wrongdoing
The Bratislava prosecutor's office announced on November 10 that it has closed a criminal case concerning the 2023 transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, finding no evidence of a crime. The investigation was officially halted on October 30. A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office stated that 'it was sufficiently established that the act in question does not constitute a criminal offense and there is no reason to refer the case further.'
The inquiry determined that the donation of military equipment to Ukraine caused no harm to Slovakia as defined in the country's criminal code. Furthermore, it was not proven that members of the government acted with the intent to obtain an unlawful benefit for themselves or others, or that they exercised their authority in a manner contrary to the law or exceeded their powers.
Background of the Donation and Allegations
The transfer of the fighter jets occurred in the spring of 2023 under the previous Slovak government, led by then-Prime Minister Eduard Heger, with Jaroslav Naď serving as Defense Minister. Slovakia donated its entire fleet of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 jets and two KUB air defense systems to Ukraine, making it the first country to send warplanes to Kyiv following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, which took office in October 2023, had been critical of the donation. Fico's administration filed a criminal complaint in June against Heger and Naď, accusing them of sabotage, abuse of power, and mismanagement of public property in connection with the transfer. Current Defense Minister Robert Kalinak also accused his predecessor of 'treason.' Both Heger and Naď denied these allegations.
Reactions to the Decision
Following the prosecutor's decision, former Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď welcomed the outcome. He stated on social media that the Heger government 'acted not only morally correctly but also in the national interest of the Slovak Republic and fully in accordance with applicable laws and the constitution.' Naď also indicated that he expects a public apology from the Fico government.
The Fico government has since halted military aid to Ukraine, aligning with its more critical stance on Western military assistance to Kyiv.
5 Comments
Africa
Fico was right, this was mismanagement. The prosecutor is blind.
Bermudez
The ruling confirms legality, yet the timing of the donation and the lack of broader parliamentary approval still raise concerns for some citizens. It highlights the deep political divisions currently present in the country.
Muchacho
The prosecutor's decision is final, but it doesn't resolve the strategic debate about how much military aid a small country should provide. Both sides present valid points regarding national security versus international solidarity.
Donatello
This proves the Fico government was playing politics, not pursuing justice.
Raphael
Good to see facts prevail over political attacks. The donation was legal.