The Evolution of Government Policy and Public Opinion in the Slovak Republic Regarding Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Abstract

Based on an analysis of available scientific and informational sources, this article examines the evolution of Slovak government policy and public opinion in Slovakia regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine. It is noted that if, starting in 2014 and especially in 2022-2023, thanks to the principled position on the Russian-Ukrainian war and the practical steps taken by the Slovak government and President Zuzana Čaputová in helping Ukraine, the Slovak Republic was one of Ukraine’s most active allies, but after the parliamentary (September 2023) and presidential (April 2024) elections, the situation changed. All power in Slovakia ended up in the hands of nationalist populists who advocated for the restoration of cooperation with Russia and opposed support for Ukraine, and began to implement precisely such a policy, which plays a significant role in the domestic political life of the neighbouring state and influences the formation of the social atmosphere and public opinion, particularly with regard to the Slovaks' attitude towards the Russian-Ukrainian war.

At the same time, it is emphasised that, given that Slovakia is a member of the EU and NATO, which continue to provide assistance to Ukraine and support its efforts to end the Russian-Ukrainian war as soon as possible and achieve a just peace, as well as its immediate proximity to Ukraine, traditional historical, cultural and economic ties and active cross-border cooperation, as well as the common security situation in the region, where Ukraine, Slovakia and other countries have their own historical experience of interaction with aggressive Russian imperialism, there are objective opportunities for the restoration and strengthening of stable and good-neighbourly Slovak-Ukrainian relations. This should become a strategic task for both neighboring countries in the conditions of the war and after its end.