WASHINGTON (AP) — During a significant diplomatic engagement, President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he may grant Hungary an exemption from the U.S. sanctions on Russian energy. This discussion took place during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House. Trump noted the difficulties Hungary faces in securing oil and gas from alternative sources, saying, We’re looking at it because it’s very difficult for him to get the oil and gas from other areas.
Orbán labeled the energy situation a vital issue for his landlocked nation, underscoring the dire consequences that sanctions could impose on the Hungarian populace. He presented several suggestions for how an exemption could be structured. Orbán clarified that his request was neither a demand for favor nor a gift, but rather a recognition of Hungary's precarious situation due to its limited access to energy supplies.
In anticipation of Orbán's visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators had already introduced a resolution that urges Hungary to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. This resolution expressed collective concern about Hungary's ongoing dependence and encourages adherence to an EU plan focused on ceasing Russian energy imports by 2027. Senator Jeanne Shaheen remarked, Europe has made extraordinary progress cutting its energy ties with Moscow, but Hungary’s actions continue to undermine collective security...
Compounding the diplomatic discussions, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced plans to sign a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a strategic shift in Hungary's energy sourcing, including the potential for importing U.S. nuclear fuel instead of Russian supplies. Through these talks, the leadership of both nations appears to be navigating complex geopolitical challenges while seeking beneficial energy agreements.
