Slovakia produces ammunition for Ukraine, although it does not want to - Bloomberg
Date: 2024-07-23 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: MILITARY ASSISTANCE
Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak insisted on a significant increase in ammunition production. And although the authorities of his country resolutely refuse to arm Ukraine, Slovak shells still hit the front.
According to Bloomberg, Slovakia wants to increase production of large-caliber ammunition from 125,000 to 200,000 next year. It is noted that the country's government does not have full control over where shells made in Slovakia end up, since buyers themselves decide what to do with the purchased ammunition.
Kaliniak denies that selling Slovak-made shells to Ukraine directly or through third parties contradicts the government's position, because this makes it part of NATO.
"Our political declaration says that we will not provide free military aid to Ukraine, because by doing so we will support the conflict. But we will not limit defense production when it supports the gross domestic product, because by doing so, I will harm damage to the interests of Slovakia,” the minister explained.
According to him, the country's defense industry should account for about 2% of economic growth this year. This is a chance to improve the economy and public finances.
"From a historical point of view, this is the path I really want to take. The defense industry has a high added value," explained Kaliņaku in Dubnica nad Váhom, a city in western Slovakia where an ammunition and weapons factory is located.
