The United States is urging European Union countries to completely stop purchasing Russian oil and gas as a prerequisite for further strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that this trade is funding the “war machine” of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to him, alternatives to Russian energy sources could include American liquefied natural gas, gasoline, and other fossil fuel products, which also align with the terms of the existing trade agreement between the US and the EU.
This is reported by Business • Media
Hungary’s Position and the Division Among European Countries
At the same time, Hungary, which is one of the main buyers of Russian oil in the European Union, denies receiving any official requests from the US president regarding the cessation of Russian oil imports. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that there are two groups among European countries: the first publicly condemns Russia but secretly continues to buy oil through Asian intermediaries, while Hungary and Slovakia make these purchases openly.
European countries must stop buying Russian oil and gas if they want Washington to strengthen sanctions against Moscow, said US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He explained that this trade finances the “war machine” of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Discussion of New Sanctions and Kremlin’s Reaction
Simultaneously, EU representatives are negotiating the possible imposition of sanctions against China and other third countries that purchase Russian oil. However, as European officials note, without support from the United States, such initiatives have little chance of being realized.
The Kremlin responded by stating that no international sanctions will force Russia to change its policy regarding the war against Ukraine.