Minister Tone Kajzer visiting Ukraine. |Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

A key outcome of the visit is Slovenia's decision to join the International Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine. Minister Kajzer also met representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) to learn more about projects in Ukraine co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through Caritas Slovenia. Furthermore, he addressed participants at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine to mark the start of the academic year. Political discussions focused on achieving a just and lasting peace, Ukraine’s European future, security, continued Slovenian assistance and opportunities for closer cooperation between the defence industries of both countries. During the meeting, President Zelenskyy highlighted Slovenia’s support, as well as the discussions on joint defence projects.

Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, accompanied by Defence Minister Valentin Hajdinjak, visited Kyiv to strengthen political dialogue between Slovenia and Ukraine, reaffirm Slovenia’s continued support and explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, defence, humanitarian aid and development.

Slovenia’s continued involvement in the International Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine is a significant outcome of the visit. Slovenia is already supporting the construction of three civil protection shelters in the Kharkiv Oblast, and joining the Coalition will enable more effective coordination of assistance to protect the civilian population.

“Support for Ukraine must deliver concrete results. Shelters save lives directly and increase the safety of people exposed to daily attacks. Slovenia will therefore continue to combine political support with practical assistance for those affected,” emphasised Minister Kajzer.

During discussions with President Zelenskyy and Minister Sybiha, Minister Kajzer reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and efforts towards a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.

“Peace cannot simply mean an end to hostilities. It must be just and lasting, built on foundations that do not create conditions for a new war. Ukraine’s security is directly linked to Europe’s security,” stated Minister Kajzer.

With regard to European integration, Slovenia supports Ukraine's continued progress in the accession process, provided the criteria are met, and offers expertise in specific negotiation areas. Talks also covered regional cooperation and preparations for the upcoming Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Slovenia in 2027.

The Slovenian delegation included representatives from the Slovenian defence industry. Discussions focused on closer industry ties, joint projects and collaboration within the Drone Deal initiative.

President Zelenskyy specifically highlighted discussions regarding the initial results of the Drone Deal initiative, joint defence projects and Slovenia’s contribution to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme.

“Ukraine possesses experience and expertise vital for the security of Europe as a whole. We are interested in identifying areas where we can combine Ukrainian experience with Slovenian expertise and industry to strengthen our shared security,” stressed Minister Kajzer.

Slovenia will also continue to support international efforts to hold those responsible for violations of international law to account, and to maintain pressure on Russia, including measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.

As part of his visit, Minister Kajzer met Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov. Their talks focused on Ukraine’s EU integration, further bilateral cooperation and opportunities for integrating Slovenian expertise, institutions and the economy into specific projects.

Minister Kajzer also met representatives of the WFP in Ukraine and visited the headquarters of the local Caritas organisation in Kyiv to review the implementation of projects supported by the Ministry in collaboration with Caritas Slovenia, the humanitarian needs of the population and possibilities for further Slovenian support to specific projects.

Slovenian projects in Ukraine include providing assistance with infrastructure reconstruction, strengthening energy resilience, carrying out humanitarian demining operations, rehabilitating war victims, supporting children and other vulnerable groups and cooperating with local communities.

“Solidarity is not reflected solely in what we say, but in what we do on the ground. From shelters and reconstruction to assistance for children, war victims and local communities, Slovenia aims to ensure that its support brings tangible results,” said Minister Kajzer.

Minister Kajzer and Minister Sybiha laid flowers in memory of those fallen during the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Minister Kajzer also addressed participants at the start of the new academic year at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, and the day concluded with an inspection of the damage caused by recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv.

“Seeing the consequences of war first-hand makes it even clearer that Ukraine’s security is not a distant issue. It is part of European security. Slovenia will therefore stand by Ukraine, providing political support, humanitarian aid and practical cooperation to help create a safer Europe,” concluded Minister Tone Kajzer.