Ukraine received Essential Technical Equipment & EUR 62,000 in Aid from Slovenia

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Multiple news outlets have reported that Slovenia will answer the request from Ukraine for economic and military support. Defense Minister Matej Tonin issued a statement after a 2-day NATO ministerial meeting. He said Slovenia will provide technical equipment including heated tents, dual-use equipment, and mobile kitchens.

Tonin also confirmed that his country will not provide military weapons. Tonin also showed concerns that the satellite images and intelligence of NATO haven’t yet confirmed the Russian claim. Russia informed the world about withdrawal and a decrease in its military presence along the border of Ukraine.

Ukrainian requests for Aid

NATO countries believe the Russian government was confusing people. He said the Ukrainian government asked for economic and military assistance after the current situation has badly affected the country’s economy. Tonin added that Ukraine didn’t want NATO countries to fight against Russia on its behalf.

The country and its military forces are well prepared to fight if needed. The Ukrainian ambassador to Slovenia earlier said his country has demanded heated tents and mobile kitchens. Slovenia will now provide mobile kitchens, dual-use equipment, and technical military assistance, but not military weapons.

The Ukrainian government has also requested more support for civil protection similar to the European mechanism. Tonin added that Slovenia isn’t currently considering any plan to deliver weapons to Ukraine, but dual-use equipment. The key objective of the 2-day meeting of NATO defense ministers was to empower the presence of allied forces.

Slovenia provided EUR 62,000 in Aid

Tonin also participated in a meeting, in Brussels, of countries engaged in the mission. Moreover, Slovenia will provide a total of EUR 62,000 in aid, including boots, gloves, sleeping bags, and diesel generators. Slovenia is currently a part of the EFP (Enhanced Forward Presence) of NATO in Latvia under Canadian command.

The EFP was deployed as a response to the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. The military troops of Slovenia are randomly serving together with the Montenegrin army members. Tonin said Slovenia is now participating in the EFP with 50 Slovenian troops and 10 Montenegrin troops. Around 9 or 10 Macedonian troops are expected to join the group in June 2022.

Tonin also said that Slovenia seeks to enhance the number of troops in Latvia for any existing mission or new ones. However, the limited capacity is a major issue for the increasing number of Slovenian troops. The Ukrainian defense minister said the representatives from the ministry recently made a working visit to Lithuania.

A meeting of Enhanced Forward Presence

The ministry officials participated in a meeting of the Enhanced Forward Presence assisted by Germany. Tonin said Slovenia is well prepared to improve collaboration in the future but it needs to see future benefits for the country.

Moreover, the Ukrainian government requested emergency aid from the European Union. The EU has provided emergency medical equipment to Ukraine. The EU commission said the move came after a request from Kyiv following the increasing crisis with Russia.

It is noteworthy that Austria, Romania, France, Slovenia, and Ireland also provided emergency aid to Ukraine. France has delivered a field hospital, medicines, sleeping bags, blankets, and hundreds of heated tents. The EU countries also provided additional aid such as power generators and medical equipment to help people during the expected crises.