Slovakia understands what is at stake in the war in Ukraine - MZV EN
Slovakia understands what is at stake in the war in Ukraine
On February 24, it will be a year since Russia started an unprecedented war against Ukraine. From the very beginning, the highest representatives of the Slovak Republic called the unprovoked invasion an act of military aggression and denounced the war. President Zuzana Čaputová is a vocal supporter of Ukraine joining the European Union, and even visited Kyiv herself in the first months, addressing Ukrainian MPs in the parliament.
Since the first days, Slovakia has welcomed Ukrainian refugees with open arms, taking care of families, and even orphans who fled to the country by thousands. Among these thousands of lives there is the story of an 11-year old boy called Hassan and his family.
This was not the first time Hassan and his family had to flee from war.
More than ten years ago they lived in Aleppo, Syria. Unfortunately, Hassan's father died due to the local civil war. Luckily for the little boy and his four siblings, their mother is Ukrainian and her homeland sent a plane to evacuate them.
However, the events repeated in late February last year, though in a different country. The Russian aggression in Ukraine deeply affected Hassan's family. His siblings almost immediately found refuge with their older brother, who had been studying in Bratislava. Hassan's mother had to remain in Ukraine to take care of her mother. After the attacks intensified, she made the difficult decision to send even Hassan to safety.
With the help of his friends and later Slovak volunteers, the little hero traveled some 1,200 kilometers to Slovakia with nothing more than a backpack, passport and phone number written on his hand. His story made international headlines. The ordeal was stressful, but after arriving safely to the border, he was taken care of and put in touch with his siblings in the Slovak capital.
Since the first days, Slovakia has welcomed Ukrainian refugees with open arms, taking care of families, and even orphans who fled to the country by thousands. Among these thousands of lives there is the story of an 11-year old boy called Hassan and his family.
This was not the first time Hassan and his family had to flee from war.
More than ten years ago they lived in Aleppo, Syria. Unfortunately, Hassan's father died due to the local civil war. Luckily for the little boy and his four siblings, their mother is Ukrainian and her homeland sent a plane to evacuate them.
However, the events repeated in late February last year, though in a different country. The Russian aggression in Ukraine deeply affected Hassan's family. His siblings almost immediately found refuge with their older brother, who had been studying in Bratislava. Hassan's mother had to remain in Ukraine to take care of her mother. After the attacks intensified, she made the difficult decision to send even Hassan to safety.
With the help of his friends and later Slovak volunteers, the little hero traveled some 1,200 kilometers to Slovakia with nothing more than a backpack, passport and phone number written on his hand. His story made international headlines. The ordeal was stressful, but after arriving safely to the border, he was taken care of and put in touch with his siblings in the Slovak capital.
The boy's mother and grandmother remained in Zaporizhzhia. But the fortunate story of Hassan encouraged them and eventually both ladies managed to reach Bratislava and join the children. Today they are helping their mother financially and studying as well. The oldest son Zakaria is continuing studies at a university. The other son Muhamed and the daughters Kenana and Luna are attending a high school and a Ukrainian professional school via internet. Hassan himself is in the 7th grade, learning well and with a good grasp of Slovak.
Apart from seeking asylum, Ukrainian refugees can also ask for temporary protection. Slovak parliament approved legislation that made life for them easier: measures related to health care, benefits, gaining a job and more. Children can attend Slovak schools, language courses opened. In many cities, hubs for helping refugees also opened.
Slovakia is one of the biggest humanitarian aid contributor to Ukraine in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The aid thus provided has been in the form of medical supplies, tents, sleeping bags, hygiene supplies, IT equipment, food, clothing, as well as concrete pillars. During winter, electricity and heat generators were sent as well.
In addition, military aid has been provided, including an S-300 air defense system, attack helicopters, and deliveries of the first Slovak-made Zuzana 2 howitzers ordered by Ukraine.
Last December, Foreign Affairs Minister Rastislav Káčer visited Kyiv. During talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he confirmed continued political, diplomatic, military, and humanitarian support.
Slovakia understands that basic human values are at stake here. The solidarity of Slovaks with Ukrainians is appreciated not only by President Zelenskyy, but by the hundreds of thousands of refugees who found refuge in the country as well.
Photos: ©War in Ukraine – Stories from the Border by Mário Bóna, David Púchovský, Slovak Police Force
