Slovakia Releases Detainees in Ukraine Aid Audit Case Without Charges

Slovak police have released former Defense Ministry officials without filing charges following their detention in an investigation related to military aid to Ukraine.

Peter Kubina, the lawyer representing the former officials, said his clients were detained on Tuesday in what he described as a “theatrical police operation” targeting former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad’.

Police had launched a probe into Nad’, alleging he illegally transferred military equipment to Ukraine during his time in office.

After reviewing case files and conducting interrogations, investigators found no grounds to pursue criminal charges, Kubina said.

“Ukraine was attacked by an aggressor and continues to resist. The country asked for our help, and our then-government responded in the first hours and days — quickly, legally, and properly,” Kubina said.

He added that Slovakia’s current government would not succeed in using the legal system to bring unfounded criminal charges against former officials.

“Today, the aspirations of this fifth column have collided with the law. And the law has prevailed — as it always has before. Any attempt to abuse power for political persecution will end similarly,” Kubina stated.

Martin Martiš, editor-in-chief of the Slovak Future Army, shared with Militarnyi that the investigation into Nad’ focuses on Slovakia’s 2022 transfer of ammunition to Ukraine, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

According to Martiš, the ammunition in question had been decommissioned and sold at residual value to a private company. The Ministry of Defense later repurchased it through the state-owned company Konstrukta Defence at a significantly higher price before sending it to Ukraine.

The current Slovak ruling coalition has long opposed military aid to Ukraine and has described previous transfers of S-300 air defense systems and MiG-29 fighter jets as treasonous.

Nad’ has maintained that the decision to supply aid was legal and necessary under the circumstances and has rejected the accusations.

“He [Nad’] should not face legal consequences. We will continue to monitor the case,” Martiš said. “Ukraine was attacked in an act of unprovoked aggression by Russia, and we believe that supporting Ukraine — including through military aid — was and remains the right decision. Without weapons and ammunition, it is impossible to defend oneself.”