Slovakian Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok criticized Ukraine's decision to stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory, calling it a "betrayal of trust" and a threat to Europe's energy stability.
Minister Matus Sutaj Estok noted that Slovakia has provided significant military, political and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He said that Slovakia had expected solidarity from Kiev.
Ukraine has refused to extend its Russian gas transit contract with Gazprom beyond 2024. The move has cut off Russian gas flows to several EU member states, including Italy, Austria and Slovakia.
Slovakia is a landlocked country, with about 60% of its gas consumption dependent on Russia.
Ukraine's decision will cost Slovakia "hundreds of millions of euros" annually due to higher payments for alternative gas supplies and lost transit fees, Estok said.
"By stopping the flow of gas, Ukraine forgot about the support provided by Slovakia. This decision is a fundamental step that not only betrays the existing trust, but also calls into question the fairness and reliability of Ukraine's approach to bilateral relations," Estok said.
According to Slovakia's Interior Minister, Kiev's move could "disrupt stability and cooperation across Europe".
He said Slovakia was "prepared in advance" to deal with Ukraine's shutdown of Russian gas. Slovakia currently has enough gas reserves to meet its needs through 2025. However, the country's energy security beyond 2025 is a concern.
"Therefore, it is necessary to dialogue, seek solutions and compromises to ensure stability of energy supply in the coming years," Mr. Estok said.
Slovakia's state gas importer SPP estimates that finding an alternative to Russian gas in 2025 alone could cost the country at least 90 million euros.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the halt in Russian gas transit a “historic event” that would result in “financial losses” for Moscow. However, Reuters reported that Kiev could also lose up to $1 billion in annual transit fees by shutting off Russian gas.
Slovakia is considering cutting off electricity supplies to Ukraine and limiting refugee assistance in response to Kiev's decision, Prime Minister Robert Fico said this week.
According to the Dennik N news portal, Mr. Fico called Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit an act of sabotage. He confirmed that the Slovak side will discuss the issue of suspending Russian gas transit on January 7 in Brussels, Belgium. After the delegation returns, retaliatory measures will be considered.
"On behalf of the Social Democratic Party, I would like to announce our readiness for negotiations and the coalition will agree to cut off electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia," Fico was quoted as saying by the Dennik N news portal.
On January 1, 2025, Russian gas transit through Ukraine to Europe was completely stopped due to Kiev's refusal to extend the agreement. For its part, Russia expressed its willingness to extend the transit agreement and continue deliveries through Ukraine after 2024.
