Boris Johnson Urges EU to Pressure Hungary and Slovakia Over Russian Energy Purchases.

Boris Johnson's Appeal to the European Union

According to Novyny.live: Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the European Union to exert pressure on Hungary and Slovakia to halt their purchases of Russian energy resources. He made this statement during the YES Meeting, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, which focused on issues related to the anniversary of the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine. This call comes amid ongoing efforts by Western allies to economically isolate Russia and cut off its primary sources of war funding.

Johnson highlighted that Europe must recognize that Russia still supplies roughly 12% of the continent's oil and gas, with purchases amounting to approximately $1 billion per month. Expressing astonishment at this continued reliance, he stated:

'It is simply astonishing how European countries continue to buy energy resources from Russia.' - Boris Johnson

The Need for a Unified EU Stance

Johnson further emphasized the necessity for the EU to possess 'the power and certain levers to put pressure on Hungary and Slovakia.' This pressure relates not only to energy purchases but also to these nations' political actions. Specifically, Hungary has blocked a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and continues to obstruct any decisions regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Slovakia, for its part, has announced it will no longer provide Ukraine with energy assistance.

These actions have caused concern among European partners and underscore the critical importance of a unified EU position on energy security and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Johnson's statement reflects growing European anxieties over dependence on Russian energy, particularly in the context of the ongoing war. Applying pressure on Hungary and Slovakia could become a key component of the EU's strategy to ensure energy security and support Ukraine against Russian challenges.

A collective stance by EU member states on this issue could determine not only the energy but also the political stability of the region.