Slovakia stands with Poland – our Allies and we will take measures in response to a missile falling inside our neighbour's territory

The explosion of a most probably Russian missile inside Poland has claimed casualties today. In response to this incident, the Slovak Republic will stand by our Polish allies. The North Atlantic Alliance will take steps to bolster the defence of its Member States and will send out a clear signal to the Russian Federation that any further continuation of such activity will have its consequences. At least for the moment, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď does not expect Article 5 of the Washington Treaty (Collective Defence) will be invoked.

Once informed of the incident, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď immediately spoke with the country's highest constitutional representatives and the Foreign and European Affairs Minister.

On the Poland missile incident, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “For the time being, we anticipate Poland will request consultations with Allies under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, but we do not assume it will trigger an Article 5 response. Logically, there might be a request to strengthen the defence of the allied countries on NATOʼs eastern flank. Whatever the case, Slovakia will stand by our Polish allies and will call on the Russian Federation to act responsibly, so that no such thing will ever happen again.” He announced a further strengthening of security along the Slovak borders and in Slovak airspace.

Calling on the public to stay calm, Minister Naď said: “Naturally, Poland will respond to the fact that people died in the incident. On the other hand, we understand the sensitivity of the situation as a whole. Therefore, I want to calm down the public. Our Allies across the Alliance have been in continuous contact and we are doing the maximum for the safety of all our citizens.”