Bratislava is ready to transfer the Soviet-made S-300 system to Ukraine, but on the condition that the Slovak army receives a replacement, Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Naď said at a joint press conference with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Thursday.

"I understand what Ukraine needs now. We all try to help Ukraine in any way we can. But I am the Minister of Defense of Slovakia, and I must first of all meet the needs of the Slovak defense. At the moment, we have the only S-300 system in Slovakia, so I cannot give it away without having an alternative," Naď commented on rumors that the S-300 could be sent from Slovakia to Ukraine.

Previously, Poland offered to send Soviet-made MiG-29s in service to Ukraine, but also in exchange for more modern American aircraft. The Pentagon also came to the conclusion that the transfer of these aircraft to Ukraine would not bring significant benefits to Kyiv, and besides, it could lead to an escalation of relations with Russia.