The Slovak Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as legal
The Bratislava Prosecutor’s Office stated that the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine is not a criminal offense and closed the case against the previous government that made this decision.
In March 2023, Slovakia handed over 13 Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets and two air defense systems to Ukraine. This became the first transfer of military aircraft to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The current government, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, filed a criminal complaint in June 2024 against the former head of government Eduard Heger and ex-defense minister Jaroslav Naď, accusing them of sabotage and abuse of power.
Following the investigation, the prosecutor’s office concluded that the transfer of aircraft did not harm Slovakia under the country’s Criminal Code. It was also not established that the government members acted for the purpose of obtaining illegal benefits. The prosecutor’s office spokesperson emphasized that no evidence of abuse of power or excess of authority was found.
Former Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď commented: “It has been confirmed that the Eduard Heger government acted in the national interests of Slovakia and in accordance with the law.” He also expressed the expectation that the current government will apologize for the accusations.
Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia will not participate in EU programs for funding military aid to Ukraine. This decision has a broad political context in connection with the government’s warm relations with Moscow.
| Key Events | Date |
|---|---|
| Transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine | March 2023 |
| Criminal complaint against Heger and Naď | June 2024 |
| Case closed by the prosecutor’s office | October 2023 |
| Robert Fico’s statement on EU program participation | End of October 2023 |




