It has been three years since the Russia-Ukraine war. During this time, NATO countries had pledged to stop energy imports from Russia, but the irony is that Hungary, a member of NATO, is still buying more than 80% of the oil from Russia. At the same time, US President Donald Trump is constantly targeting India to buy oil from Russia. The question is arising that when NATO’s colleague is so dependent on Russia, then why is a large part of Trump’s displeasure towards India?
Hungary’s dependence on Russia
Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Obignment has clearly stated that his country will continue to take Russian energy. He argues that if the oil-gas supply is closed, the Hungary economy will come to the knees and immediately fall 4%. Hungary’s dependence on Russia was 61% before the war started, which has now increased to 86%.
Trump’s pressure on India
Trump took tough steps on India to buy oil and weapons from Russia. Up to 50% tariffs were imposed on Indian goods, out of which 25% fee was directly on deals related to Russia. India called it ‘unfair’ and reiterated that it will buy oil from where it will get cheap and safe deal for its 1.4 billion citizens. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that ‘the sacrifice of energy security cannot be offered on political pressure’.
Trump’s displeasure and question on NATO
Trump said in the United Nations General Assembly that China and India are funding the war by purchasing Russian oil, but ‘NATO countries also do not stop Russian energy, it is suicidal.’ He warned that big restrictions will be imposed on Russia only when ‘all NATO countries stop buying oil’.
Despite having an option, Hungary refuses
Hungary says it does not have an alternative to the Russian pipeline, but experts say that Croatia’s Adria pipeline and many LNG terminal options in Europe may be. According to reports, Hungary and Slovakia have paid a tax of about $ 6 billion on crude oil since the war began.
Slovakia flexible, Hungary adamant
Slovakia has indicated that he may find an option and is also talking to the US. But Hungary continued the purchase even after the long -term contract with Russia was over in June 2025.
Nato’s difficulty
Hungary is making it a defense in domestic politics. Prior to the election, the Prime Minister’s Aurbens are calling himself a protector of public interest against ‘Brussels and Washington’s pressure’. But the reality is that a member of NATO itself is maintaining Russia’s biggest energy lifeline, while India is being the most being pressurized.