WASHINGTON (RTW) — President Trump announced on Friday that he is considering granting Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House. Trump noted the difficulties Orbán faces in securing oil and gas from other sources due to these sanctions.
Orbán characterized the situation as a vital issue for Hungary’s economy, which relies heavily on energy imports. He indicated he would be proposing a series of suggestions about how such an exemption could be structured during discussions with Trump. I am simply asking for the realization that the sanctions recently imposed on Russian energy puts certain countries like Hungary, which do not have access to the sea, in an impossible situation, he expressed in a radio interview prior to his visit.
A large contingent consisting of Hungarian cabinet members, business figures, and political influencers accompanied Orbán on the visit, utilizing a 220-passenger commercial jet for the journey.
Earlier, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators had submitted a resolution demanding that Hungary end its reliance on Russian energy. The resolution, endorsed by ten senators from both parties, voices concerns about Hungary’s energy dependency amidst ongoing efforts in Europe to lessen ties with Russian fossil fuels.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized that Hungary's actions pose a risk to collective security and that all allies should be held to the same standard regarding energy imports from Russia. Meanwhile, Orbán and his delegation also discussed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with U.S. officials, which would enhance energy diversification for Hungary.
After arriving in Washington, Orbán’s team met with Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of Brazil's former president, reinforcing connections with international allies amid challenging political climates.
