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Bratislava – Matúš Šutaj Eštok, the chairman of the coalition party Hlas-SD and the Interior Minister of Slovakia, has voiced criticism towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his remarks attributing Slovakia's gas issues to its own actions. Eštok emphasizes that Zelensky should prioritize pursuing peace rather than directing criticism at a neighboring country that has provided support since the onset of the military conflict. This statement was communicated to TASR by the Hlas-SD press office.
On Sunday evening, President Zelensky took to the social media platform X to criticize Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) following Fico's recent Moscow visit. Zelensky claimed that Kyiv had intended to assist Slovakia before halting gas transit through Ukraine, but Fico “arrogantly refused” the offer, despite numerous EU officials advising against it. He contends that the core issue is Fico’s alignment with Moscow over his own nation or a unified Europe.
Fico had expressed concerns to reporters after a meeting with EU Commission representatives, stating that the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine starting January 1 has detrimental economic implications not just for Slovakia but also for the entire EU. However, EU officials did not raise such concerns post-January 1.
“President Zelensky should concentrate on the complex challenges facing his country and refrain from attacking a neighbor that has been supportive since the war began. I urge him, on behalf of the citizens of Ukraine, to make every effort toward initiating peace negotiations,” stated Šutaj Eštok, affirming Slovakia's commitment to support these discussions.
Šutaj Eštok also addressed Zelensky’s unfavorable comments regarding Slovakia, expressing confusion over what he termed “nonsensical and false attacks” from the Ukrainian president. He reminded that Slovakia has contributed hundreds of millions of euros to Ukraine and that Slovak citizens have demonstrated solidarity by helping those fleeing the conflict.
“The taxes paid by Slovak citizens have gone to support Ukraine. It is these same citizens who will face increased costs for gas and food due to President Zelensky’s unwarranted halt of Russian gas supplies,” Šutaj Eštok emphasized.
As of late 2024, the contract for the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine expired, and Kyiv opted not to renew it. Fico had previously warned that Slovakia could face losses amounting to half a billion euros annually, estimating the broader financial impact on the EU to be between 60 to 70 billion euros. (January 13)
“President Zelensky should concentrate on the complex challenges facing his country and refrain from attacking a neighbor that has been supportive since the war began. I urge him, on behalf of the citizens of Ukraine, to make every effort toward initiating peace negotiations.” Matúš Šutaj Eštok
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