Anna Hartz
Macron Confirms Trump’s Disapproval of Russian Oil Imports in Europe
Energy trade often drives wedges in international politics. When countries depend on oil or gas, those ties can shape alliances and cause friction even among supposed partners.
This tension is now visible in Europe’s relationship with the United States, Ukraine, and Russia.
A “Very Unhappy” President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in Paris on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump is “very unhappy” that European Union states continue to buy oil from Russia, reports Digi24.
He made the statement after a meeting of leaders supporting Ukraine, known as the “Coalition of the Will.” Trump joined the talks by video link from the White House.
EU Oil Trade with Russia
Zelensky stressed that Trump is frustrated with Hungary and Slovakia in particular. Both countries maintain oil imports from Russia and have clashed with Kyiv over the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron, standing beside Zelensky, confirmed that Washington disapproves of these governments’ choices.
Macron said that the alignment between the U.S. and Europe will be important to bring such practices to an end.
Recent Attacks
The dispute is tied to recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including the Druzhba pipeline.
These attacks disrupted supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. Zelensky said both governments complained directly to Trump.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban even published a letter he sent to Washington asking for help.
Trump responded warmly, calling Orban a “great friend” but also expressing anger at the situation.
Orban’s Resistance
Zelensky added that he has asked Trump to press Orban to stop blocking Ukraine’s path to European Union membership.
Hungary has resisted, citing issues related to the Hungarian minority in western Ukraine, economic concerns, and ongoing disputes with Brussels over frozen EU funds.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has also opposed support for Kyiv. He has been openly hostile to Zelensky, describing him in harsh personal terms.
Upcoming Meeting
Despite the tensions, Zelensky and Fico are expected to meet on Friday in western Ukraine.
Macron closed the Paris meeting by announcing that 26 countries have agreed to form a reassurance force.
The group would provide guarantees for Ukraine in case of a ceasefire with Russia.
Moscow, however, has rejected any foreign troop presence and warned that ignoring its stance will block progress.
