Breaking news. Slovakia announces the end of military aid to Ukraine

Slovakia has announced the end of military aid to Ukraine. A country of 5.5 million people which shares a border with Ukraine, Slovakia has until now been a staunch supporter of Kyiv since Russia invaded in February last year, donating arms and opening its borders for refugees fleeing the war.

Slovakia’s president swore in a new government Wednesday, led by a former populist prime minister Robert Fico. 

There are concerns the victory of Fico’s Smer, or Direction, Party in September’s election could mark a dramatic turnaround in the country’s foreign policy and strain a fragile unity in the European Union and NATO. 

He opposes EU sanctions on Russia, questions whether Ukraine can force out the invading Russian troops and wants to block Ukraine from joining NATO. 

Our journalists are working on this story and will update once more information is available.