Zilinka reopens case
Prosecutor General Maros Zilinka reopened the criminal case on October 30 against former Prime Minister Eduard Heger and former Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad regarding the March 2023 decision to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets and KUB air defense systems to Ukraine. I find the decision to move supervision to a regional prosecutor in Trencin a necessary step because Zilinka stated the previous investigation was "closed prematurely" and the facts were not established enough to make a decision. The investigation was previously closed in February by the Bratislava regional prosecutor, Rastislav Remeta. This follows a November 10, 2025, finding from the Bratislava prosecutor’s office that the transfer of military aid to Ukraine did not constitute a criminal offense. I note the defense ministry accused Heger and Nad of sabotage, abuse of power, and mismanagement of public property, though both individuals deny these allegations. Current Defense Minister Robert Kalinak also accused his predecessor of "treason." Zilinka reassigned prosecutorial supervision to a regional prosecutor in Trencin to ensure that sufficient evidence is gathered.
Military aid details
The caretaker government headed by Heger approved the donation of 13 MiG-29 fighter jets and part of the country’s KUB air defense systems in March 2023. All 13 jets arrived in Ukraine by April 2023, making Slovakia the first country to send fighter aircraft to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. I see the June 2024 criminal complaint filed by Robert Fico’s administration as a direct result of his long criticism of Western military aid and the defense assistance provided by the previous government.
| Asset | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| MiG-29 | 4th-generation fighter jet | Air superiority and front-line air defense |
| KUB | Medium-range surface-to-air missile system | Intercepting aircraft and aerial targets |
The MiG-29 is a fourth-generation fighter jet designed in the Soviet Union, meant to establish air superiority and provide front-line air defense. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces use the fighter jet in their air forces. The KUB, also known as the 2K12 Kub or SA-6 Gainful, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft and other aerial targets. It uses radar-guided missiles and mobile launchers to protect ground forces and military facilities from air attacks. This system consists of radar-equipped vehicles and missile launchers that allow it to provide air defense cover for troops and strategic sites.
