The United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from sanctions on importing oil and gas from Russia, following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House. The exemption came after Orbán argued that his country, being landlocked, faces unique challenges in securing alternative energy supplies.
Trump imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft last month, threatening secondary sanctions on entities purchasing oil from them. During the bilateral meeting, Orbán stressed the importance of Russian oil for Hungary’s economy and outlined the consequences of losing access to it.
In exchange for the exemption, Hungary committed to buying US liquefied natural gas worth approximately $600 million, according to a White House official. Orbán also reportedly offered pledges to purchase US nuclear fuel as an incentive.
Trump praised Orbán as a “great leader” and endorsed his hardline stance on immigration, calling on European leaders to show more respect. “I think they should respect Hungary and respect this leader very, very strongly because he’s been right on immigration,” Trump said.
Orbán, who faces stiff competition in upcoming elections, is seeking a visit by Trump to Budapest to bolster his chances. He has also expressed interest in resurrecting plans for a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he claims could help end the war in Ukraine.
