Slovakia Seeks to Detain Former Defense Minister Over Ukraine Military Aid

Slovak police are seeking to detain former Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď in connection with military aid provided to Ukraine, Noviny reported.

Authorities suspect Naď of unlawfully transferring military equipment to Ukraine, including S-300 air defense systems, MiG-29 fighter jets, and other assets.

According to Slovakia’s Interior Ministry and Police Presidium, the equipment was not classified as surplus and was of significant value.

An audit revealed discrepancies between reports from the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff on the transferred assets.

Investigators also discovered a gap between the government-approved aid and the actual value of the items sent to Ukraine, suggesting violations of internal procedures and laws governing military equipment transfers.

Naď, currently in Canada, has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, he said the transfers were legal and necessary in the context of international support for Ukraine, and that all decisions were made in accordance with internal rules and Slovakia’s international obligations.
Slovakia’s opposition has called for a full investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

In November 2024, the Office for Combating Organized Crime created a special task force, “Donor”, following a report from the Supreme Audit Office. The report indicated that Slovakia had transferred nearly €700 million worth of military assets to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Martin Martiš, editor-in-chief of Slovak defense outlet Future Army, told Militarnyi that the case centers on a 2022 ammunition transfer.

According to Martiš, Slovakia initially sold decommissioned ammunition to a private company at a residual price. Later, when the Defense Ministry decided to send that ammunition to Ukraine, it repurchased it through the state-owned company Konštrukta Defence at a significantly higher cost.

The current Slovak government, which has long opposed military support for Ukraine, has criticized the transfer of S-300 systems and MiG-29 jets, with some officials labeling it an act of treason.

“Still, Jaroslav Naď should not face legal consequences,” Martiš said. “Ukraine was attacked as a result of Russia’s unprovoked aggression, and we believe that providing any support, including military, was and remains the right decision. Without weapons and ammunition, Ukraine cannot defend itself.”