Hungary is receiving significant understanding from the United States regarding the import of Russian oil. This was stated by the Minister for European Union Affairs, János Bóka, during a conversation with journalists in Brussels ahead of the EU ministers’ meeting.
This is reported by Kyiv24
U.S. Position and EU Reaction
According to Bóka, American partners demonstrate “great understanding” of Hungary’s and Slovakia’s energy dependence on Russian oil. The minister emphasized:
“American partners fully understand the special situation of Hungary and Slovakia and show great understanding. In some aspects, they even show more understanding than our European partners.”
He also stressed that Budapest is engaging in direct dialogue with the U.S., rather than through the media.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously stated a willingness to impose “serious sanctions” on Russia if all NATO countries stopped purchasing Russian oil. However, currently, only three NATO members—Hungary, Slovakia, and Turkey—continue to import Russian crude oil. Hungary and Slovakia cover over 85% of their own needs with Russian oil, but the official Budapest insists that it is not supporting the Russian economy in this way.
Supply Alternatives and European Policy
According to János Bóka, the U.S. is “well aware” that the economic support for the Russian military industry does not depend on the decisions of Slovakia and Hungary, which have a combined population of less than 50 million and account for less than 2% of the EU’s gross national income. The minister noted that these countries are not key to sustaining the Russian military economy.
Hungary and Slovakia have the technical capability to obtain oil from alternative sources via the Adria pipeline, which runs through Croatia, but this leads to a significant increase in supply costs. At the same time, the European Union’s policy entails a complete rejection of Russian energy sources by the end of 2027, requiring the mentioned countries to seek new suppliers.
In August, Ukraine launched several strikes on the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline, causing temporary delays in oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. In light of criticism from Budapest, Kyiv advised Hungary to diversify its energy supply sources more actively.
In June, the European Commission proposed a plan for a gradual phase-out of oil and gas from Russia, including liquefied gas, by 2027. According to information provided by Reuters, EU member states are urging to keep the mechanisms for the phased abandonment of Russian energy resources confidential.