Congressman Krishnamoorthi Urges Biden Administration To Consider Sanctioning Hungary To Ensure EU Ban On Russian Oil Goes Into Effect

SCHAUMBURG, IL - Yesterday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to consider all available avenues to help finalize the terms of the European Union's proposed phased embargo on Russian oil in response to Vladimir Putin's unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Under President Viktor Orban, Hungary has threatened to veto the proposed ban on Russian oil over purported economic concerns. While the European Commission has continued to negotiate the terms of the deal and potential incentives with Hungary's representatives, Congressman Krishnamoorthi is urging the Biden Administration to apply added pressure to Hungary.

"The Biden Administration has been a leader in banning Russian energy sources-including Russian coal, liquified natural gas, and oil-and I encourage you to continue to play an important role in helping the EU reduce its dependence on Russian oil," Congressman Krishnamoorthi wrote. "I am particularly concerned about Hungary's continued opposition to the EU oil embargo, and I urge you to consider all tools including sanctions to secure a final deal with Hungary to ban Russian oil."

Citing the importance of cutting off Moscow's key revenue stream as it continues to pursue its invasion of Ukraine, the Congressman argued, "the EU's proposed ban on Russian oil would significantly increase financial pressure on Russia's economy and Putin's war machine. The United States should show unity with our EU partners and leverage all available tools to support the EU's proposed oil embargo."

Beyond the question of direct consequences for Hungary, Congressman Krishnamoorthi also advocated a plan for broader European energy transition:

"To further support the EU's proposed transition away from Russian energy sources and to help ensure Hungary gets on board with the EU sanctions, I encourage the State Department to consider a two-pronged approach: 1) the United States should increase its commitment to the Three Seas Initiative Fund to support Central Europe's energy security and development of sustainable energy sources, and 2) the Biden Administration should consider implementing sanctions against companies in Hungary that continue to do business with Russian oil exporters if Prime Minister Orban continues to stall EU negotiations. The potential price cap on Russian oil, backed by secondary sanctions, that the Administration is considering may serve this purpose."

The full text of Congressman Krishnamoorthi's letter to Secretary of State Blinken is available here.