Slovakia closes case over transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine – Media
Photo: Ukraine received MiG-29s during the previous Slovak government in 2023 (armyinform.com.ua)
Slovakia has closed the criminal investigation into the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. The case was not recognized as a criminal offense, and investigators concluded that the country suffered no harm, Aktuality.sk reports.
According to the Bratislava Prosecutor's Office, the special group created by Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok "is no longer investigating the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets and KUB air defense systems to Ukraine."
Gabriela Kováčová, spokesperson for the Bratislava Regional Prosecutor's Office, said there was a "sufficiently justified conclusion" that the act did not constitute a criminal offense.
She added that investigative actions conducted after the case was opened did not prove that the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine caused any damage to Slovakia.
"In particular, that government members acted to obtain unlawful benefits for themselves or others, or that they exercised their powers in a way contrary to the law or exceeded them. The investigator's decision is not lawful," Kováčová said.
The decision to transfer the fighter jets to Ukraine was made by the Slovak government led by Eduard Heger in March 2023 under an intergovernmental agreement.
Investigation into aid to Ukraine
After taking power in 2023, the Slovak government led by Robert Fico announced the end of military assistance to Ukraine and a push to improve relations with Russia.
Last year, Fico’s government accused the previous administration of treason and other crimes over various military donations to Ukraine. In November, an investigation began into discrepancies in donation records.
Fico also called on police to investigate the previous government’s decision to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets and air defense systems to Ukraine.
Recently, the Slovak Prime Minister stated that he would not support using €140 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's recovery or assistance.
