Slovakia Resists U.S. Pressure to Halt Russian Oil Imports Amid Energy Diversification Challenges

Slovakia has rebuffed U.S. demands to cease imports of Russian crude, citing logistical constraints and the need for gradual energy diversification. Prime Minister Pellegrini emphasized that replacing Russian supplies overnight is impractical, stating, "We cannot replace dependence on Russia with dependence on the United States." The landlocked nation requires multiple energy sources and technical support before transitioning away from Russian imports.

Hungary echoed similar resistance, with Prime Minister Orban warning that abandoning Russian energy WOULD devastate its economy. Despite U.S. lobbying efforts targeting EU holdouts like Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, and India, Russian oil still accounts for 3% of EU imports—down sharply from previous levels. The standoff highlights the geopolitical tightrope smaller economies face amid Western sanctions on Moscow.