Trump Grants Hungary a One-Year Exemption from Russian Energy Sanctions
U.S. President Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from sanctions related to Russian oil and gas imports, a White House official confirmed on Friday.
The decision follows Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s visit to the White House, during which he personally appealed for relief from sanctions that could have deeply impacted Hungary’s energy security.
Trump described Hungary’s situation as “unique,” noting that the country’s landlocked geography makes it difficult to secure alternative energy sources. “It’s very difficult for him [Orban] to get the oil and gas from other areas,” the U.S. president said.
This move represents a significant victory for Orban, who warned that the sanctions could devastate Hungary’s economy. The exemption reportedly lasts for one year, after which Washington will review the policy.
In return, Hungary has agreed to purchase hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of U.S. natural gas, a deal seen as part of the negotiation package. However, the decision has sparked criticism in Europe, where several governments view Hungary’s close ties with Moscow as a challenge to EU unity amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
Orban has long defended his stance, arguing that energy pipelines are not political but practical necessities. “We don’t have ports or sea access; our energy links with Russia are a physical reality,” he said during the meeting.
Trump and Orban also discussed the Ukraine conflict, with both leaders emphasizing the need for peace. Trump said Orban “understands Putin and knows him well,” expressing optimism that “the war could end in the not-too-distant future.”
Orban echoed that sentiment, stating: “Only our two nations truly want peace in Ukraine.” When asked whether Ukraine could win the war, he replied, “A miracle can happen.”
Despite tensions with the European Union over issues of democracy, migration, and the rule of law, Trump called on Europe to respect Orban, praising him as a “strong and right leader on immigration.”
While the exemption offers short-term economic relief for Hungary, analysts suggest it may deepen geopolitical divisions within Europe and test Washington’s consistency on its Russia sanctions policy.
