The Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) took the necessary measures in connection with the information on the hostile activities of Russian services in the Czech Republic. "SIS increased its counter-intelligence protection in the past and constantly monitors the activities of foreign intelligence services even today," said its spokeswoman Zuzana Morávková.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and acting Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamáček announced on Saturday that the Czech Republic would expel 18 Russian embassy employees in Prague, identified as secret service personnel. The expulsion is related to the explosion of ammunition depots in the village of Vrbetice in the Zlín Region in 2014, which probably involved Russian agents. They were given 48 hours to leave the Czech Republic.
"Slovakia is closely following the suspected foreign-led subversive actions...we stand by Czechia," wrote Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová on her social media account. Prime Minister Eduard Heger said that Czechs have his full support in the steps taken. "These events confirm the long-term findings of our intelligence services that our countries are also the target of operations aimed against our security and stability," said Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok. SIS agrees with the statement issued by the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry.
"It's time for clear and vigorous action against the Russian intelligence service network in the EU and NATO countries," Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď (Ordinary people) said, adding that the Russian intelligence services are present and active in Europe. He noted that the activity of a foreign intelligence service on the Czech territory is proof that Russia does not have a sincere interest in bilateral cooperation with Central European countries. Governing Freedom and Solidarity party wants to convene the Slovak Security Council.
"If an investigation confirms preliminary information about a terrorist attack on the Czech Republic, it must be unequivocally condemned," said MP of opposition Voice-SD party and parliamentary European affairs committee vice-chairman Peter Kmeč. Opposition Smer-SD party MP Ľuboš Blaha does not trust the information about the possible involvement of the Russian intelligence services in the explosion. "Rather, I think we should be much more careful about Russia. We should show that we want dialogue, that we want peace," emphasised Blaha.
