Slovakia brushes off Russia's claim of destroying S-300 defence system provided to Ukraine

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger, on Monday, denied Russia's claim of destroying S-300 defence system which was handed over to Ukraine amid ongoing war. "Slovakia categorically denies Russian propaganda that S-300 defence system in Ukraine has been destroyed. This is a hoax. It has been officially confirmed by Ukraine," Heger wrote in a Twitter post. Earlier on Sunday, April 10, Russian Defence Ministry h claimed that Ukraine's S-300 anti-aircraft missile launchers were destroyed in Mykolaiv region's Starobogdanivka settlement as well as in Kharkiv region's Chuhuiv military base. 

Russian media h also reported that one of destroyed launchers was provided by Slovakia to Ukraine. Notably, Slovakia h donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defence system to Ukraine at its request. Furrmore, Germany and Nerlands have agreed to send Patriot missile-armed troops to Slovakia as part of a 2,100-strong force me up of soldiers from several North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states, including United States. military intends to create a battlegroup on Slovak soil to strengn NATO's eastern flank defences, Associated Press (AP) reported. 

About S-300 defence system

S-300 defence system has capability to fire missiles hundreds of kilometres away, destroying cruise missiles as well as aircraft. Soviet Air Defence Forces developed S-300 system to protect against aircraft and cruise missiles. Subsequently, ballistic missile interceptors were developed. S-300 is considered one of most powerful anti-aircraft missile systems in use currently. It's primarily used in Asia and Eastern Europe, including three NATO member countries: Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Greece. 

Slovakia decides against paying in rubles for Russian gas imports

Last week, Slovakia stated that it will operate in unison with European Union (EU) and will reject Russia's demand for payment in rubles for gas exports. Prime Minister Eduard Heger stated that his country will take a coordinated stance with EU, which previously stated that European companies whose gas supply contracts previously stipulated payment in euros or dollars will not comply with Russia's demand to switch to Ruble as payment system. Prime Minister Heger me his remarks after his economy minister, Richard Sulik, suggested that if necessary, country will pay in rubles to keep gas flowing, noting Slovakia's substantial reliance on Russian energy.

Image: Twitter/@eduardheger/AP