Hungary’s Orban Refuses to Budge on Trump Russian Energy Demand

In a rare public disagreement, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban refused to comply with US President Donald Trump's demand to reduce Hungary's reliance on Russian energy. Orban stated that Hungary would continue to purchase natural gas from Russia, citing the country's need for affordable and reliable energy sources. The dispute highlights the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding energy policies, as the United States seeks to curb European dependence on Russian gas amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. However, Orban emphasized that Hungary's national interests take priority, and the country cannot afford to forgo its energy needs. The standoff underscores the challenges facing the Trump administration's efforts to exert influence over its European allies on this sensitive issue. Orban's defiant stance showcases Hungary's independent foreign policy, which has at times diverged from the broader Western consensus on Russia.