l-r: Interior Minister Denisa Saková, PM Peter Pellegrini and Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš (source: TASR)
No immediate incidents are expected for now on the border with Ukraine, but Slovakia is ready to respond anytime, said PM Peter Pellegrini after the meeting at the National Security Analytical Centre (NBAC), which unites all security forces in Slovakia.
“I want to guarantee that all forces and security authorities of the state are prepared and in case of the growing tension, Slovakia will be ready,” said Pellegrini, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that the government cannot underestimate any possible threat.
At the same time, the NBAC will maintain the second, increased degree of terrorist threat in Slovakia.
Several scenarios discussed
However, Slovakia needs to count on various crisis scenarios due to the conflict in the Sea of Azov. One concerns the mass migration, while the other is the energy crisis.
“A significant group of people might start moving from the eastern parts of Ukraine towards the west, which might create pressure on our border,” Pellegrini said, as quoted by the Denník N daily.
As for energy, the government needs to expect a situation where Russia stops delivering fuels to Ukraine, which would also affect Slovakia.
“We have a reverse flow, we have some reserves, but we still need to review it,” Pellegrini stressed, as quoted by Denník N.
The good news is that Slovakia has crude oil reserves for 105 days, while natural gas reserves are full as well.
Army also ready
Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš of the Slovak National Party (SNS) reported on the inspection of the crisis staff that took place the previous night. Currently, the staff is holding a meeting led by the state secretary of the Defence Ministry.
At the same time, the military intelligence service is monitoring and evaluating the situation in Ukraine on a regular basis, TASR reported.
If needed, the Slovak army is ready to deploy 1,200 soldiers and military police officers, and an unspecified number of special unit members, on the borders, Gajdoš said, as reported by Denník N.
No stricter sanctions yet
Slovakia does not support sanctions against Russia, because they do not bring about any desired effect, Pellegrini said.
Nonetheless, Slovakia will respect the decision taken within the European Union, he added, TASR wrote.
