The United States has expressed its expectation for Hungary to formulate and execute a plan aimed at lessening its dependence on Russian oil and gas. Additionally, the US is seeking China’s cooperation in applying international pressure on Russia to halt the war in Ukraine. Matthew Whitaker, the US Ambassador to NATO, stated these views during an interview with Fox News. He highlighted that the Trump administration is utilizing all available instruments, such as sanctions, to push Russia to discontinue its military operations. The remarks come as part of the broader international effort to contain the impacts of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to weaken Russia’s energy-driven economy.
Whitaker emphasized that the administration’s strategy includes a multifaceted approach, blending economic sanctions with diplomatic pressure to isolate Russia internationally. This strategy is seen as a way to diminish Moscow’s ability to sustain its military operations in Ukraine and to reduce its influence in the region. Hungary, as a NATO member and a key player in the Eastern European energy market, is under increasing pressure to align its energy policies with those of its Western allies. The US hopes that by encouraging Hungary to reduce its reliance on Russian energy, it can weaken Moscow’s economic power and encourage a more coordinated international response to the war in Ukraine.
The call for China to support international pressure on Russia marks a significant shift in the US’s foreign policy approach. Historically, the US has sought to align with Western allies against Russia, but the growing economic ties between China and Russia have complicated this dynamic. By urging China to join the international effort, the US is attempting to broaden the coalition of nations engaged in sanctions against Russia and to isolate it further. This move also underscores the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the conflict in Ukraine, where multiple global powers are vying for influence. The implications of this pressure could reshape the economic and political dynamics in the region for years to come.