Fico criticizes Ukraine, but supplies it with weapons. How Slovakia profits from the war

Slovakia exported military ammunition worth over 50 billion crowns in 2025, a significant increase despite Prime Minister Robert Fico's attempts to improve relations with Russia. Fico halted free military aid to Ukraine after taking office in October 2023, yet commercial arms sales continue. The Slovak defense industry, particularly in artillery ammunition production, remains active in supplying Ukraine. The ZVS Holding factory in Snina, partly owned by the Slovak state, produces key military supplies. Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which owns part of ZVS, has seen substantial growth since the Russian invasion, with revenues skyrocketing. Despite Fico's anti-war rhetoric, the government supports the domestic arms industry, which is crucial for the economy.