EU country criticizes Ukraine for ‘betrayal’
Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has described Ukraine's suspension of gas transit as a “betrayal of trust.” Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Kiev has overlooked the assistance that Slovakia provided during its conflict with Russia, as noted by Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok.
Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has expressed his discontent regarding Ukraine's choice to stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory, labeling it a “betrayal of trust” and a potential threat to the energy stability of Europe. Estok shared these views in a Facebook post on Thursday, highlighting Slovakia’s considerable military, political, and humanitarian contributions to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began. He emphasized that Slovakia had anticipated a measure of “solidarity” from Kiev in return.
Ukraine's refusal to extend its transit agreement with Russia's Gazprom after 2024 effectively halts the flow of natural gas to several EU nations, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Slovakia, being landlocked, relies on Russian gas for approximately 60% of its consumption.
Estok stated that this decision would cost Slovakia “hundreds of millions of euros” each year due to increased expenses for alternative supplies and loss of transit revenue.
“Ukraine has forgotten the assistance provided by Slovakia when it stopped gas supplies. The decision represents a fundamental step that not only betrays the existing trust but also raises questions about the fairness and reliability of Ukraine’s approach to bilateral relations,” he remarked, emphasizing that Kiev’s actions could “disrupt stability and cooperation throughout Europe.”
Estok also indicated that Slovakia had “prepared in advance” for the anticipated shutdown by securing sufficient reserves to fulfill its needs in 2025. Nonetheless, he warned that the country’s energy security beyond this year remains uncertain.
“It is therefore necessary to renew the dialogue and look for solutions and compromises that will ensure the stability of energy supplies in the coming years,” he noted.
According to Slovakia’s state-owned gas importer, SPP, the search for alternatives to Russian gas could result in costs of at least €90 million for this year alone. In a video message released Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico mentioned that his government is contemplating reducing electricity supplies to Ukraine and curtailing refugee support in reaction to Kiev’s recent choice.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision to halt gas transit, calling it “a historic event” that would lead to “financial losses” for Russia. However, Reuters reported that Ukraine might face a deficit of up to $1 billion annually in transit fees from Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed its willingness to prolong the transit agreement and maintain deliveries through Ukraine beyond 2024. President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of “punishing” the EU with its decision, asserting that it would drive energy prices higher. During his annual press conference on December 19, Putin claimed that the halt would have minimal repercussions for Russia.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has expressed his discontent regarding Ukraine's choice to stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory, labeling it a “betrayal of trust” and a potential threat to the energy stability of Europe. Estok shared these views in a Facebook post on Thursday, highlighting Slovakia’s considerable military, political, and humanitarian contributions to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began. He emphasized that Slovakia had anticipated a measure of “solidarity” from Kiev in return.
Ukraine's refusal to extend its transit agreement with Russia's Gazprom after 2024 effectively halts the flow of natural gas to several EU nations, including Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Slovakia, being landlocked, relies on Russian gas for approximately 60% of its consumption.
Estok stated that this decision would cost Slovakia “hundreds of millions of euros” each year due to increased expenses for alternative supplies and loss of transit revenue.
“Ukraine has forgotten the assistance provided by Slovakia when it stopped gas supplies. The decision represents a fundamental step that not only betrays the existing trust but also raises questions about the fairness and reliability of Ukraine’s approach to bilateral relations,” he remarked, emphasizing that Kiev’s actions could “disrupt stability and cooperation throughout Europe.”
Estok also indicated that Slovakia had “prepared in advance” for the anticipated shutdown by securing sufficient reserves to fulfill its needs in 2025. Nonetheless, he warned that the country’s energy security beyond this year remains uncertain.
“It is therefore necessary to renew the dialogue and look for solutions and compromises that will ensure the stability of energy supplies in the coming years,” he noted.
According to Slovakia’s state-owned gas importer, SPP, the search for alternatives to Russian gas could result in costs of at least €90 million for this year alone. In a video message released Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico mentioned that his government is contemplating reducing electricity supplies to Ukraine and curtailing refugee support in reaction to Kiev’s recent choice.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the decision to halt gas transit, calling it “a historic event” that would lead to “financial losses” for Russia. However, Reuters reported that Ukraine might face a deficit of up to $1 billion annually in transit fees from Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed its willingness to prolong the transit agreement and maintain deliveries through Ukraine beyond 2024. President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of “punishing” the EU with its decision, asserting that it would drive energy prices higher. During his annual press conference on December 19, Putin claimed that the halt would have minimal repercussions for Russia.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
