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 Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out. He said that Slovakia had expected to receive solidarity from Kiev.
Ukraine has refused to extend the Russian gas transit contract with Gazprom after the end of 2024. The move has disrupted 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.
Minister Estok said that Ukraine's decision will cost Slovakia "hundreds of millions of euros" annually by having to pay more for alternative gas supplies and losing transit fees.
"When it stopped gas flows, Ukraine forgot the support that Slovakia provided. This decision is a fundamental step that not only betrays existing trust but also raises questions about the fairness and reliability of Ukraine's approach to bilateral relations," Estok said.
According to the Slovakian interior minister, Kiev's move could " disrupt stability and cooperation across Europe".
He said Slovakia had "prepared" in response to Ukraine's shutdown of the Russian gas valve. Slovakia currently has enough gas reserves to meet the country's needs in 2025. However, the country's energy security after 2025 is in a state of concern.
"Therefore, it is necessary to dialogue, seek solutions and compromises to ensure stable energy supply in the coming years," 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 suspension of Russian gas transit "a historic event" that would lead to "financial losses" for Moscow. However, Reuters reported that Kiev could also lose up to $1 billion in annual transit fees when turning off the Russian gas valve.
This week, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia is considering cutting off electricity supplies to Ukraine and limiting support for refugees in response to Kiev's decision.
According to the Dennik N portal, Mr. Fico called Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit an act of sabotage. He confirmed that the Slovakian side will discuss the issue of stopping the transit of Russian gas 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 my readiness to negotiate and the alliance will agree to stop the supply of electricity while significantly reducing support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia" - the Dennik N portal quoted Mr. Fico as saying.
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 has expressed its readiness to extend the transit agreement and continue deliveries through Ukraine after 2024.
