Ljubljana - Slovenia is in talks with Slovakia to deploy up to 50 troops there to help enhance military presence in the country in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which borders Slovakia, Defence Minister Matej Tonin has announced as he condemned Russia's attack. Slovenia already has 50 troops in Latvia.

Quoted by the ministry, Tonin said the attack was unprovoked and in violation of all international norms.

Instead of diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin opted for war, a decision that will cost many people their lives, the minister was quoted as saying.

He warned businesses of the risk of cyber attacks. "It's the first thing that can threaten Slovenia in this situation and we obviously must be ready."

Slovenia must support Ukraine morally and financially to sustain the Russian pressure and keep hope alive, he said, calling for the EU to give Ukraine the prospect of full membership as soon as possible.

Slovenia is responding to the crisis within NATO and the EU as well, said Tonin, noting that it currently has roughly 50 troops deployed in Latvia. They are there in the wake of Russia's actions in the Crimea in 2014.

"NATO has today of course taken and activated certain defence plans to enhance our presence in the East and thus provide security to eastern members of NATO alliance as well," he said.