Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham backed President Donald Trump’s call for European allies to halt Russian oil purchases and warned that Hungary and Slovakia could face consequences if they fail to comply, according to a Sept. 16 statement posted on X.
The senator noted that while most EU countries have significantly reduced imports of Russian oil and gas, Hungary and Slovakia remain outliers.
“(President Donald Trump) is right to demand that Europe stop buying Russian oil,” he wrote. “The good news is that Europe has substantially reduced their purchases of Russian oil and gas.”
“When it comes to buying Russian oil, it is now virtually down to Hungary and Slovakia. I hope and expect them to step up to the plate soon to help us end this bloodbath,” Graham added. “If not, consequences should and will follow.”
On Sept. 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron that Trump was dissatisfied with Hungary and Slovakia’s continued imports of Russian oil.
Earlier, Reuters reported that during an online meeting of the so-called “coalition of the willing,” Trump stated that Europe must halt purchases of Russian oil, arguing that the revenue helps Moscow fund its war against Ukraine.
On Sept. 16, an anonymous EU diplomat told Politico that Trump could stop Russian oil imports to the European Union “with a single phone call” to his allies — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The European Union has delayed unveiling its 19th sanctions package against Russia, reportedly because Trump has demanded tougher restrictions from Brussels as a condition for advancing U.S. sanctions.
“On Sept. 16, an anonymous EU diplomat told Politico that Trump could stop Russian oil imports to the European Union “with a single phone call” to his allies — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.”
Why would he do that? He’s in the same camp as his pro russian buddies.
“Trump has demanded tougher restrictions from Brussels as a condition for advancing U.S. sanctions.”
What sanctions? Europe have sanctioned mafia land at least twice while TACO has been lifting restrictions on the shithole.