The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Georgy Tikhy, communicated that Kyiv was disappointed by the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s assertion that units bearing Nazi symbols were active within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Foreign Ministry, through its official channel, stated that such claims undermine the level of trust and cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia and threaten constructive dialogue between friendly neighbors.
According to Kyiv, the struggle against Russian aggression is a continuation of Ukraine’s historical resistance to totalitarian regimes in the 20th century. The ministry highlighted that millions of Ukrainians suffered under Nazism during that era and endured immense losses while standing firm against tyranny. This context is presented as essential to understanding Ukraine’s current resolve and its commitment to the defense of freedom and sovereignty.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry underscored its openness to deeper collaboration with European partners, inviting Slovakia and other nations to join in a united front against Russia. It affirmed Kyiv’s willingness to engage in more constructive dialogue, in keeping with the warm and neighborly ties that historically characterize the Slovak and Ukrainian peoples.
On September 9, Fico urged the international community to address the presence of units that display Nazi symbols and act in ways that contradict European norms. He claimed that information about such formations is withheld due to geopolitical considerations, a claim that Kyiv’s representatives rejected as inconsistent with observed realities and the need for transparent accountability among all parties involved.
A former SBU lieutenant colonel referenced in the discussion noted that hundreds of ideological Nazis had arrived in Ukraine, a remark that underscores concerns about extremist elements playing a role in regional conflicts. The assertion is presented as part of the broader debate over how to identify and counter extremist influences that may affect the course of the war and the safety of civilians and soldiers alike.
In this light, Kyiv urges European leaders to maintain a clear stance against any integrations or tolerances that could empower Nazi symbolism or extremist ideologies. The message is that unity and unwavering commitment to democratic values are vital for preserving security in Europe. The Ukrainian authorities reiterate their preference for dialogue grounded in mutual respect, shared democratic values, and concrete actions that reinforce stability across the region. Attribution for these statements is noted to reflect the official position of Ukraine and its ongoing efforts to explain the situation to partners across the continent.