S Slovak Defense Minister: Ukraine May Have to Sacrifice Territory
In a televised interview, Slovak Minister of Defense Robert Kaliňák suggests that the reality on the ground indicates that Ukraine might need to forsake some of its land. His comments aired on the political show V politike on channel TA3, according to Eurointegration citing the TASR news agency.
Kaliňák emphasizes that Slovakia’s interest lies in an immediate cessation of hostilities, followed by a ceasefire and subsequent peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. For the minister, the post-war shape of Ukraine is more significant than its future borders.
"While Russia is undoubtedly the aggressor, having breached international norms and laws," Kaliňák stated, "Ukraine must also consider its geographical reality. It’s unlikely that Ukraine can effectively exist between Germany and Switzerland, while sharing its largest border with Russia."
This stance follows earlier statements by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, who advocated for Kyiv and Moscow to engage in negotiations, potentially entailing territorial concessions from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Robert Fico compared Ukraine’s situation to the 1938 Munich Agreement, warning that Ukraine might suffer territorial losses and capitulate to great powers’ demands.
Sources: "Eurointegration", TASR, TA3
