The US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, rejected Hungary's arguments regarding dependence on Russian oil and encouraged finding alternative suppliers.

A senior American diplomat, Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, rejected Hungary's justifications for its dependence on Russian oil, emphasizing that Budapest should plan a transition to alternative suppliers.

While most allies in the European Union have reduced their dependence on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has become even more reliant on Russian resources, relying almost entirely on Moscow for its oil and natural gas supply.

This situation has become risky, in the context of the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the EU on Russian oil companies.

The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, stated that his administration is trying to protect the country from these sanctions, consulting with the Hungarian company Mol.

Although Orban has downplayed alternative options, such as a pipeline from Croatia, Croatian officials have stated that there is sufficient capacity to support Hungary.

Whitaker emphasized that the U.S. will continue to work with Hungary and its neighbors to reduce dependence on Russian energy.