Trump: Hungary should not be blamed for its dependence on Russian oil

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the energy situation in Hungary and Slovakia during a press conference following his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Washington. He said he understands why it is difficult for these countries to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and added that he does not want anyone to blame them for it.

“They’re married to one pipeline”

Trump emphasised that Hungary and Slovakia are landlocked countries without seaports that would allow them to import oil from other sources by ship, Telex reported. “They are, sort of, married to one pipeline,” the president said. He added that he considers Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán a “great guy” and a friend, and that he had long discussions with both the Hungarian and Slovak leadership about energy security.

By contrast, Trump pointed out, Turkey has many more opportunities to purchase oil from different countries, which makes it easier for Ankara to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies.

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The Russia–Ukraine war and the energy question

Trump’s remarks indicate a shift in the U.S. president’s stance on the Russia–Ukraine war. While he had previously made several gestures toward Vladimir Putin, he now speaks more firmly about the need to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, which he says could force the Russian president to the negotiating table.

Trump also sought to persuade Erdoğan to curb Turkey’s imports of Russian energy. He has previously signalled that he is ready to impose serious sanctions on Moscow if all NATO member states act jointly.

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Hungarian reactions

After the UN General Assembly, Trump earlier stated: “I have a feeling Orbán would stop buying Russian oil if I spoke to him.” In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said they support the U.S. president’s peace efforts but stressed that Hungary’s geographical conditions cannot be changed.

Szijjártó confirmed that Trump had a phone call with Orbán Viktor, during which the issue of Russian oil was also discussed. According to the foreign minister, Hungary is currently unable to replace Russian oil and gas imports, as there are no alternative supply routes.