Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok accuses Ukraine of disregarding Slovakia’s substantial support during the conflict with Russia.
Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok sharply criticized Ukraine’s decision to end Russian gas transit, characterizing it as a breach of trust and a threat to European energy security. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Estok highlighted Slovakia’s extensive military, political, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the war began, expressing his country’s expectation of reciprocal solidarity from Kiev.
Ukraine’s refusal to renew its contract with Gazprom after 2024 has cut off gas supplies to several EU nations, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Slovakia, a landlocked country, relies on Russian gas for approximately 60% of its energy needs.
Estok stated that Ukraine’s action will cost Slovakia hundreds of millions of euros annually due to increased costs for alternative gas sources and lost transit fees.
“Ukraine has shown a lack of appreciation for Slovakia’s assistance by halting gas transit. This decision is a serious betrayal of trust and raises concerns about the reliability of Ukraine’s approach to international relations,” Estok declared, warning of potential disruptions to European stability and cooperation.
Estok confirmed that Slovakia had prepared for the gas cut-off, ensuring sufficient reserves for 2025. However, he acknowledged uncertainties regarding the country’s energy security beyond that year.
“Therefore, renewed dialogue and collaborative solutions are crucial to secure stable energy supplies in the coming years,” Estok added.
Slovakia’s state-owned gas importer, SPP, estimates that replacing Russian gas in 2024 alone could cost at least €90 million. In a Thursday video address, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico indicated potential retaliatory measures, including reduced electricity supplies to Ukraine and limited refugee support.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky lauded the gas transit halt as a historic event that would inflict financial losses on Russia. However, Reuters reported on Wednesday that Ukraine could face annual losses of up to $1 billion in transit fees from Moscow.
Russia expressed willingness to extend the gas transit agreement and continue supplying gas through Ukraine after 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of punishing the EU, predicting higher energy prices as a consequence. However, at his annual press conference on December 19, Putin downplayed the impact on Russia.