WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump granted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban a one-year exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas following a White House meeting on Friday. The exemption comes after Trump imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies last month in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Read More: EU approves 19th sanctions package against Russia
Hungary, a landlocked country reliant on Russian pipelines, had requested special treatment, arguing that it could not easily switch to alternative energy sources. Trump acknowledged this, stating that Hungary “doesn’t have the advantage of having sea” access for energy imports. Hungarian officials also confirmed a commitment to purchase around $600 million in US liquefied natural gas as part of the deal.
Orban has maintained close ties with both Moscow and Washington while frequently diverging from other EU nations on Russia policy. During the White House visit, he proposed hosting a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, although the US leader had previously called off such plans. Orban also stressed that Russian energy was a practical necessity for Hungary rather than an ideological choice.
Read More: Hungary secures U.S. exemption on Russian energy
The exemption highlights the growing divergence between Hungary and other European countries on the Ukraine war. Orban has opposed sending military aid to Ukraine, resisted EU pressure on sanctions, and publicly stated that it would take a “miracle” for Ukraine to defeat Russia. The White House also signaled support for Orban on migration issues, reflecting his ongoing alignment with Trump on key policy areas.