H.E. Mr. Igor Pokojný:

The fears are understandable among people because the war is going on in a neighbouring country and we can see people fleeing war and how it is. In our region, we have also experienced in recent history war in the Balkans. Unfortunately, this part of Europe is not immune to such violent issues.

As for our relationship with Russia, like everyone else, we really want correct relations. Slovakia is very dependent on, for example, Russian raw materials such as oil and gas. It is also for the economy very important to have good relations with Russia, and also with Ukraine. We import a lot of raw materials from Ukraine. Not only for our country, Slovakia, but for all of Europe - Germany as well - it is important to have very good relations, but not only good relations that "you are my boss and I will say do everything you will ask".