“International Communications” Students Join a Meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Slovak Republic Myroslav Kastran

On 10 November 2026, students of the “International Communications” programme joined an online meeting with Myroslav Kastran, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Slovak Republic. The meeting was titled “Ukraine–Slovakia Relations: Key Factors and Prospects”.

Ambassador Kastran outlined the key aspects of Ukrainian-Slovak relations, including military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, European integration, the outcomes of intergovernmental talks and the prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The diplomat paid particular attention to maintaining political dialogue between the two countries. According to Mr Kastran, despite political differences, Ukraine continues to develop its partnership with Slovakia and to seek common solutions on issues that matter to both states.

On military support, the Ambassador noted that although Robert Fico’s government has stopped free transfers of weapons to Ukraine, Slovakia does not block the transit of military aid through its territory or the delivery of weapons to Ukraine via European partners.

European integration was another focus. The Ambassador stressed that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and is ready to offer advisory support based on its own integration experience. At the same time, Mr Fico’s government opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Ambassador Kastran also spoke about the results of the fourth round of Ukrainian-Slovak intergovernmental consultations, held in Lviv on 5 November 2026. Following the talks, Slovakia announced a new aid package for Ukraine: €500,000 for generators for border regions, €200,000 for medical equipment and €30,000 for equipping shelters. Slovakia is also preparing its 15th package of non-lethal aid, which is expected to include engineering and demining equipment.

One important outcome of the dialogue is the agreement to open a Ukrainian-English secondary school with a Slovak component in Bratislava. The initiative matters especially for Slovakia’s Ukrainian community of about 220,000 people, as it will allow children to study in Ukrainian while continuing their education in a European environment. On a reciprocal basis, a Slovak-English school is planned in Irpin, with classes initially organised in existing school premises.

The Ambassador also highlighted the solidarity of Slovak society with Ukraine. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Slovakia has given shelter to tens of thousands of Ukrainians, and its citizens have been actively involved in humanitarian support for people forced to leave their homes because of the war.

At the end of the meeting, students put questions to Ambassador Kastran and discussed the specifics of diplomatic work, negotiation and finding common solutions amid political differences between states.