Ukraine has received from Slovakia the first two of 16 Zuzana 2 howitzers from Konštrukta-Defence, Dennik N. reports.
Slovak Prime Minister Ludovit Odor and Ukrainian Ambassador Myroslav Kastran were present during the arms transfer procedure.
The project worth more than 90m euros is funded by Norway, Denmark and Germany. According to Odor, the quality of the Zuzana 2 howitzers is also proof that Slovakia can produce modern equipment that meets the most stringent international requirements. Konštrukta-Defence is also in talks with a Ukrainian arms company about further cooperation, which should result in a prototype of the new howitzer.
In the coming months, the Slovak company will transfer 14 more howitzers, the last of which is expected to arrive in Ukraine next year.
"It is in the interest of all of us to defend Ukraine and to be able to withstand Russian aggression. A world where there are no rules and no adherence to international norms is unacceptable to us. It is our duty to help where we can and how we can," Prime Minister Odor said.