Hungarian FM accuses EU of “hypocrisy” because of Russian oil

(MENAFN) Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has criticized the European Union for what he called “hypocrisy” regarding Russian oil, arguing that while some member states publicly denounce Hungary for importing it, they continue to purchase Russian crude indirectly.

The comments came in response to US President Donald Trump urging Western European nations to halt Russian oil imports. Frustrated by the slow progress toward peace in Ukraine, Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that these countries must stop buying Russian fuel, noting that Russia earned €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) in oil sales to the EU over the past year.

Szijjarto explained that Hungary, being landlocked, depends on pipeline deliveries for oil and gas, making Russian imports vital for energy security.

“Let’s not let the hypocrites mislead us, because among those who are the loudest in criticizing Hungary and Slovakia for their oil purchases, there is a significant number who are also buying Russian oil, only indirectly, through Asia,” he said. “They buy Russian oil secretly because it is cheaper. We buy Russian oil openly because we have no other option.”

He also blamed the EU for hindering Hungary’s efforts to diversify its supply, noting that Brussels rejected requests to expand Southeast European pipeline capacity, while Croatia increased transit fees instead of enlarging alternative routes. Most EU nations have ended direct imports of Russian crude under sanctions, including a 2023 embargo on seaborne oil and a price cap, as part of the bloc’s plan to phase out all Russian energy imports by 2028.

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