Hungary rejects Trump's demand to stop buying Russian oil
Photo: Péter Szijjártó (Getty Images)
Hungary has no intention of abandoning Russian energy resources, despite demands from the US. Without Russian oil and gas, the country will allegedly be unable to ensure its energy security, according to Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
"We can’t ensure the safe supply [of energy products] for our country without Russian oil or gas sources," he says.
Trump's position and pressure on EU
Donald Trump demanded that NATO allies completely stop importing Russian oil. "I am ready to do major Sanctions on Russia when all NATO Nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO Nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA," he says.
These demands coincided with a series of ultimatums to Moscow to end the war against Ukraine. However, some allies doubt that Trump is really ready to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin.
Hungary and Slovakia oppose stopping imports
The state-owned company MOL imports about 5 million tons of oil annually through the Druzhba pipeline. The main recipients remain Hungary and Slovakia, which are resisting EU demands to abandon Russian energy resources.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán remains one of Trump's closest allies in Europe. He criticizes Ukraine and maintains working relations with the Kremlin.
Possible steps by EU
Bloomberg reported that the European Union is considering trade restrictions to stop supplies via Druzhba. The decision can be made without unanimous consent, which will allow other countries to bypass the position of Budapest and Bratislava.
Senator Lindsey Graham said, "When it comes to buying Russian oil, it is now virtually down to Hungary and Slovakia. I hope and expect them to step up to the plate soon to help us end this bloodbath. If not, consequences should and will follow."
Reaction of European countries
Finnish President Alexander Stubb supported the US demand, noting that pressure on Hungary and Slovakia should be increased. He said that stopping oil and gas purchases from Russia is a key condition.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski also supported the initiative. "I hope President Orbán in Budapest hears this and acts on President Trump’s appeal to stop buying Russian oil. Hungary can get its oil from the south," he said.
Hungary wants to strengthen ties with US
Responding to criticism, Szijjártó called Western European politicians fanatics. He said that it was impossible to have a rational dialogue with them.
At the same time, the minister noted that relations with the US had allegedly improved. "The US is a friend now. So having the American president as your friend is totally different compared to when they put pressure on you, regardless of what is coming from Brussels is very, very severe," he added.
According to the IMF, Russia continues to play a key role in Hungary's energy supply. In 2024, the country imported 74% of its gas and 86% of its oil from Russia. For comparison, in 2018, these figures were 64% and 66%, respectively.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump is very unhappy that Hungary and Slovakia continue to buy oil from Russia.
