Statement of Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď on Putin's steps

The Kremlin makes no secret of its attempts for another shameless annexation of Ukraineʼs territory, as also evidenced by the referenda announced in the occupied regions. Such annexation of Ukrainian territory to the Russian Federation will serve as yet another pretext for the Kremlinʼs policy – as Ukraine fights to regain its territory, the Kremlin will call it “an attack against Russia” and will threaten to use its nuclear arsenal.

We are not surprised by this situation, because we have expected Putin to do that from the very beginning. Of course, this reveals the wretchedness with which he acts. It is about time we realised one thing – as he starts calling up the sons of Russian mothers, he will quite clearly get entangled in a very complicated political situation, and I assume, therefore, that Putin, as the President of the Russian Federation, will end up being overthrown.

Slovakia will continue with what we have been doing along with the international community – we will be helping Ukraine diplomatically, economically, politically and militarily to a maximum extent possible, as Ukraine defends itself against the aggressor, and, indeed, it has been doing so with courage and success since 24 February. All things considered, I believe Ukraine will persist in its efforts and will be victorious!

On the other hand, Putinʼs actions confirm that he is losing both his temper and options. I am convinced that ordinary Russians themselves will soon become increasingly aware of that and will take steps and prevent him from hurting Russia and its people.