Bratislava, 8 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Slovakia's new government led by left-wing nationalist Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday denied an arms package for Ukraine put together by the previous government.

Fico, who returned to power for the fourth time on October 25, repeatedly stated that he would continue to support Ukraine by supplying civilian goods but not with weapons.

After taking office, he reiterated his campaign promise which had unsettled NATO allies and political opponents branded him "pro-Russian."

The package, consisting mainly of ammunition donations totalling around €40 million ($43 million), was put together shortly before the parliamentary elections by the previous caretaker government.

However, the provisional government was unable to pass the resolution before the parliamentary elections in September.

Fico has emphasized that Slovakia remains committed to all NATO obligations as a member of the Western defence alliance.

While most EU states say they are ready to support Ukraine for the long haul, some countries, like Hungary and Slovakia, have been reluctant to make new financing commitments for Kiev.

The ammunition package would have been funded by the government.

Earlier this week, Fico said that although Slovakia will no longer provide military aid to Ukraine as a state, it will continue to authorize arms sales from private companies to Kiev.

Photo: MIA archive