Highlights from the joint trip to Vinnytsia by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Slovak counterpart, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár traveled to Vinnytsia for talks centered on regional security and deepening bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Slovakia reaffirmed its support for opening both the first and all subsequent clusters in Ukraine’s European Union membership negotiations.
“Slovakia backs the opening of the first and remaining negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU accession. We appreciate that stance,” stated Andrii Sybiha.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured a hospital in Vinnytsia where newly renovated medical rooms were unveiled. These facilities are equipped with modern technology, including a 3D mammography unit and a dental suite with an integrated X-ray system. More than €230,000 of the €330,000 in assistance that Slovakia allocated to support Ukraine’s healthcare sector at the end of 2025 went toward purchasing this equipment.
Andrii Sybiha’s wife, Tetiana Sybiha, who leads the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, also joined the delegation. She visited the Vinnytsia branch of the all-Ukrainian charity "Down Syndrome" and Vinnytsia Gymnasium No. 24. The gymnasium now features a modern shelter as well as a space designed for social adaptation, habilitation, rehabilitation, and coworking.
What the visit means for bilateral ties
During the trip, the ministers also held discussions with regional and city officials, including Nataliia Zabolotnia, head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration; Viacheslav Sokolov, chair of the Vinnytsia Regional Council; and Pavlo Yablonskyi, secretary of the Vinnytsia City Council. This visit underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine amid the current security environment and highlights efforts to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries.
The joint trip by the Ukrainian and Slovak foreign ministers signals a renewed momentum in bilateral relations between Ukraine and Slovakia, particularly in the areas of European integration and security. Slovakia’s endorsement of Ukraine’s EU membership process could serve as a pivotal step in advancing Ukraine’s European prospects. Furthermore, the healthcare-related humanitarian aid demonstrates Slovakia’s willingness to address Ukraine’s social needs, a key dimension of their bilateral partnership.
As Slovakia strengthens its support for Ukraine's EU aspirations, it is also emerging as a key player in the NATO defense landscape. The country has recently become one of NATO’s top ammunition producers, highlighting its commitment to both regional security and international cooperation. To understand the implications of Slovakia's dual role in supporting Ukraine and enhancing NATO's capabilities, read more about Slovakia's growing influence in the defense sector here.