Sutaj Estok: Ukraine Has Forgotten Help Provided by Slovakia

Bratislava, January 2 (TASR) - The decision to stop gas supplies from Ukraine represents a major step that not only betrays the existing trust, but also raises questions about the fairness and reliability of Ukraine's approach to mutual relations, chairman of the coalition Voice-SD party Matus Sutaj Estok stated on Thursday, adding that Ukraine forgot about the assistance provided by Slovakia when it stopped gas supplies. Estok pointed out that Slovakia had provided significant military, political and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict and had also extended a helping hand to all people fleeing the war. "The Slovak Republic will lose hundreds of millions of euros as a result of President Zelenskyy's move - both in the purchase of gas from another supplier and in lost transit fees to other countries," said Estok. According to the minister, however, the stoppage of gas supplies isn't only an economic problem for Slovakia. It is a signal that can undermine stability and cooperation across Europe. "It is therefore essential to renew dialogue and seek solutions and compromises that will ensure the stability of energy supplies for years to come," he added. The Voice-SD head stressed that although Slovakia could have expected at least partial solidarity from Ukraine and President Zelenskyy with gas supplies in return for its help, the government hadn't underestimated the situation and had prepared in advance for the stoppage of the supplies. Thus, the country has sufficient gas reserves for this year. am/mcs