Ukraine’s Intelligence Responds to Slovakia Coup Attempt Accusations

Slovak authorities have accused Mamuka Mamulashvili of attempting to orchestrate a coup in Slovakia. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has formally denied any involvement.

According to HUR, during a press conference on January 31, Slovak officials alleged that members of 'the Georgian Legion', of which Mamulashvili claims to be the commander, reportedly affiliated with Ukraine’s military intelligence, were involved in organizing protests with the intent of destabilizing the country. In response, HUR issued an official statement rejecting the claims, clarifying that no such unit exists within its structure.

HUR further stated that its International Legion is a multinational military unit engaged in direct combat operations against Russian forces and does not conduct hybrid actions in any European Union member state.

The agency emphasized that Mamulashvili is not a Ukrainian service member, has no ties to Ukrainian intelligence, and has not received any directives from HUR. His contract with the International Legion ended in April 2023 and has not been renewed.

The intelligence directorate described the allegations as baseless and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to cooperation with NATO allies. It noted that Ukraine remains focused on joint security efforts, particularly in countering the information warfare tactics employed by Russia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused the Georgian Legion and its leader of being linked to recent protests in Slovakia, leading to Mamulashvili being banned from entering the country. Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok confirmed the travel ban, while the head of Slovakia’s intelligence service, Pavol Gašpar, alleged connections between the Georgian Legion and Slovak opposition figures.

In response, Mamulashvili dismissed the accusations, stating that the claims were unfounded. He expressed surprise at the Slovak government’s decision, questioning the rationale behind the allegations.

HUR reiterated that European political leaders should be responsible in their statements to avoid fueling disinformation campaigns.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned Slovak Ambassador Pavel Vízdal, rejecting Bratislava’s accusations of interference in Slovakia’s internal affairs. Deputy Minister Olexandr Mischenko criticized Prime Minister Robert Fico, calling him a “speaking trumpet of the Kremlin” and warning that his actions undermine EU unity amid Russia’s ongoing war.