Slovakia's Defense Minister: Ukraine must make territorial concessions for the war to end immediately.

The Slovak Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák stated that Ukraine may have to concede some territory due to the "realities on the ground," reported the Slovak news agency TASR on December 29.

During a television interview, Kaliňák emphasized that Slovakia's priority is an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations.

While he acknowledged that Russia is undoubtedly the aggressor in the conflict and has violated international law, he claims that post-war stability is more important than precise borders.

"Ukraine does not realize that it will never find itself between Germany and Switzerland, but will always have the longest border with the Russian Federation," he said. "It is essential, first and foremost, that people stop dying."

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Fico, Slovakia has made a sharp turn in its foreign policy, halting military supplies to Ukraine from the Slovak armed forces and adopting a pro-Russian rhetoric.

Fico also recently announced that he accepted an invitation from the Kremlin to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next May.

Background. In response to the expiration of the Russian gas transit contract through Ukraine to Europe on January 1, which Kyiv does not intend to extend, Fico threatened to cut electricity exports to Ukraine.

"After January 1, we will assess the situation and possible measures against Ukraine," Fico said. "If necessary, we will cease the electricity supply, which is critically needed by Ukraine during emergency network outages."

Meanwhile, the Polish government stated that the country is prepared to increase electricity exports to Ukraine if the Slovak Prime Minister follows through on his threat.