US Senator Rubio to Discuss Ending Russian Energy Imports with Hungary, Slovakia

Rubio plans talks with European allies on cutting off Russian energy resources

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

US Senator Marco Rubio announced plans to meet with authorities in Hungary and Slovakia to discuss the possibility of those countries stopping their imports of Russian energy resources, as part of broader efforts to isolate Russia economically following its invasion of Ukraine.

Why it matters

Reducing European dependence on Russian oil and gas has been a key priority for the US and its allies as they seek to increase economic pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Securing commitments from Hungary and Slovakia, two EU member states that have maintained close ties with Russia, could further restrict Russia's ability to profit from energy exports.

The details

Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida, said he intends to travel to Hungary and Slovakia in the coming weeks to hold talks with government officials about ending their purchases of Russian natural gas, oil, and other energy products. Both countries have resisted calls from the US and EU to fully cut off Russian energy imports, citing their reliance on Russian supplies.

  • Rubio plans to travel to Hungary and Slovakia in the next few weeks.

The players

Marco Rubio

A Republican US Senator from Florida.

Hungary

A member state of the European Union that has maintained close economic ties with Russia and resisted calls to fully cut off Russian energy imports.

Slovakia

A member state of the European Union that has also resisted calls to fully end its purchases of Russian energy resources.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Rubio's planned talks with Hungarian and Slovak authorities underscore the continued challenges Europe faces in weaning itself off Russian energy, even as the US and its allies seek to ratchet up economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.