Slovakia considers mandatory military service over Ukraine war
Photo: Rudolf Huliak, Slovakia’s Minister of Sports and Tourism (facebook.com/Rudolf.Huliak.mincrs)
Slovakia’s Minister of Sports and Tourism, Rudolf Huliak, believes the country should introduce compulsory military service. One of the main reasons is Russia’s war against Ukraine, Noviny reports.
Huliak urged politicians, the military, and the public to join discussions on a potential service reform.
"There is a war raging beyond our borders, Russian drones are entering Poland, and the Prime Minister of a neighboring country dreams of a greater Hungary. A state that cannot defend its borders has no right to exist," the minister stressed.
He added that the situation in Slovakia is worrying, as the country lacks its own air defense system.
Huliak proposed that Slovaks undergo at least three months of service after turning 18, which could be carried out close to their place of residence.
The minister acknowledged the measure would be "expensive, but necessary." He said he wants Slovakia to build an army modeled on Switzerland, where military service is mandatory for men and voluntary for women.
Military draft for women in Germany
Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not rule out the possibility of conscripting women into the Bundeswehr.
According to him, such a step may be needed because of Russia’s threat to Europe.
