It has been three years since the Russia-Ukraine war. During this period, NATO countries pledged to halt energy imports from Russia, but ironically, Hungary, a NATO member, still purchases more than 80% of its oil needs from Russia. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is constantly targeting India for buying oil from Russia. The question arises: when a NATO ally is so dependent on Russia, why is the bulk of Trump’s anger directed at India?
Hungary’s Dependence on Russia
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has clearly stated that his country will continue to use Russian energy. He argues that if oil and gas supplies are cut off, Hungary’s economy will collapse and decline by 4% immediately. Hungary’s dependence on Russia, 61% before the war, has increased to 86%.
Trump’s Pressure on India
Trump has taken strict measures to pressure India to purchase oil and weapons from Russia. Tariffs of up to 50% were imposed on Indian goods, including 25% on deals directly involving Russia. India called this “unfair” and reiterated that it would purchase oil wherever it could find a cheaper and safer deal for its 1.4 billion citizens. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that “energy security cannot be sacrificed to political pressure.”
Trump’s Displeasure and Questions on NATO
Trump stated at the United Nations General Assembly that China and India are funding the war by purchasing Russian oil, but “if NATO countries also do not stop Russian energy, it is suicidal.” He warned that significant sanctions on Russia would only be imposed when “all NATO countries stop buying oil.”
Hungary Refuses Despite Options
Hungary says it has no alternatives to the Russian pipeline, but experts suggest that Croatia’s Adria pipeline and several LNG terminals in Europe could be alternatives. According to reports, Hungary and Slovakia have paid Russia approximately $6 billion in crude oil taxes since the war began.
Slovakia is flexible, Hungary is firm.
Slovakia has indicated it may explore alternatives and is also in talks with the US. However, Hungary continued to purchase even after its long-term contract with Russia expired in June 2025.
NATO’s predicament
Hungary is using this as a safeguard in domestic politics. Before the elections, Prime Minister Orban defended the public’s interests against “pressure from Brussels and Washington.” However, the reality is that a NATO member maintains Russia’s most significant energy lifeline while India faces the most pressure from the US.
