Kiev has forgotten the assist Slovakia provided it in its battle with Russia, in keeping with Inside Minister Matus Sutaj Estok
Slovak Inside Minister Matus Sutaj Estok has criticized Ukraine’s determination to halt the transit of Russian gasoline by means of its territory, calling it a “betrayal of belief” and a menace to European power stability. Estok made the feedback on Thursday in a Fb publish, noting Slovakia’s vital army, political, and humanitarian help to Ukraine because the begin of the battle with Russia. He stated his nation had anticipated “solidarity” from Kiev in return.
Ukraine refused to increase its transit contract with Russia’s Gazprom past the top of 2024, successfully chopping off the stream of pure gasoline to some EU nations, together with Austria, Italy, and Slovakia. Landlocked Slovakia is dependent upon Russian gasoline to satisfy about 60% of its demand.
Estok stated Ukraine’s determination would price Slovakia “a whole bunch of tens of millions of euros” yearly as a result of increased prices for different provides and misplaced transit charges.
“Ukraine has forgotten the help supplied by Slovakia when it stopped gasoline provides. The choice represents a elementary step that not solely betrays the present belief but in addition raises questions concerning the equity and reliability of Ukraine’s strategy to bilateral relations,” Estok acknowledged, including that Kiev’s transfer may “disrupt stability and cooperation all through Europe.”
Estok stated Slovakia had “ready prematurely” for the halt by having sufficient reserves to satisfy its necessities in 2025. Nonetheless, he stated the nation’s power safety past this yr stays in query.
“It’s due to this fact essential to renew the dialogue and search for options and compromises that can guarantee the steadiness of power provides within the coming years,” Estok stated.
Slovakia’s state-owned gasoline importer, SPP, estimated that discovering a substitute for Russian gasoline this yr alone may price the nation not less than €90 million. In a video message on Thursday, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated his nation is contemplating chopping electrical energy provides to Ukraine and limiting refugee assist in response to Kiev’s determination.
Ukrainian chief Vladimir Zelensky praised the gasoline transit halt, calling it “a historic occasion” that might lead to “monetary losses” for Russia. Nonetheless, Reuters reported on Wednesday that Ukraine may lose as much as $1 billion yearly in transit charges from Moscow.
Russia stated it was prepared to increase the transit deal and proceed deliveries by means of Ukraine past 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of “punishing” the EU with its determination, which he stated would result in increased power costs. At his annual press convention on December 19, Putin acknowledged, nonetheless, that the halt would have little impression on Russia.
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