Trump and Orban Discuss Energy Security Amid U.S. Pressure to Limit Russian Oil Imports

Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, urging him to reduce purchases of Russian oil, a source of funding for Russia's war against Ukraine.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to Bloomberg.

Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Viktor Orbán the day after he announced his intention to pressure the Hungarian Prime Minister to stop buying Russian oil.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that during the conversation, the leaders discussed energy security, Russia's war against Ukraine, the global economy, and tariffs.

The call took place amid increasing pressure on Hungary to reduce purchases of Russian oil, which is the main source of funding for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Péter Szijjártó noted that the country is not ready to stop purchasing Russian oil for “geographical and physical” reasons and considers Russia a “reliable partner.”

Meanwhile, the EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said that the bloc should move faster to abandon Russian energy and asked the US president to talk to countries that trade with Russia about this.

In general, the European Commission and individual EU representatives emphasize the need to abandon Russian energy more quickly, but some member states, including Hungary, continue to import oil, partly for economic and logistical reasons.

The pressure from the US, particularly from Trump, was unexpected for Orbán, who has traditionally supported Trump. He views US criticism of Hungary's energy policy as interference in internal affairs.

As The Gaze reported earlier, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has declared that Washington is ready to completely substitute Russian gas and oil products in Europe.