Slovakia has given its S-300 air defense system to Ukraine as part of its commitment to help the country secure its skies. This comes after repeated calls by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the West for more weaponry to help it repel attacks against the Russians, which is expected to launch another offensive on the Donbas region. It is reported that since the war began Ukraine’s armed forces have lost as many as 40 air defense gun, missile and radar platforms to Russian attacks.

Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced that he had decided to donate the S-300 under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which states that:

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”

This donation comes after Slovakian Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said they would be willing to donate their S-300s if they could be immediately replaced. This was one of the subjects SecDef Austin and Nad discussed during the latter’s visit to Slovakia last March 17.