KIEV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Slovak counterpart Zuzana Caputova to discuss defence cooperation with Kiev,  Zelensky's press service reported.

Zelensky  reportedly said during the talks on Tuesday that Slovakia has made a substantial contribution to the improvement of Ukraine's defence capabilities and complimented Caputova's personal participation in delivering defensive help to Ukraine. After the talks, the Ukrainian President told reporters, "I have been assured that Slovakia would continue to provide maximum security assistance to Ukraine."

The Slovakian President, for her part, stated that Slovakia has backed Ukraine since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict by giving not only military, but also diplomatic and humanitarian aid.  Slovakia has supplied Ukraine with the S-300 air defence system and demining equipment, as well as supporting Russian sanctions,  Caputova added.

Zelensky and Caputova also discussed Ukraine's chances of gaining EU candidate status and financial help, Slovakia's involvement in Ukraine's post-conflict rebuilding, and assistance to Ukrainians forced to from their homes temporarily due to the fighting.

Since the violence began, approximately 78,000 Ukrainians, including 31,000 children, have fled to Slovakia, according to official estimates.

Caputova arrived in Kiev earlier on Tuesday on Zelensky's invitation.

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