Trump Grants Hungary One-Year Exemption from U.S. Sanctions on Russian Energy
US grants one-year exemption in high-stakes White House summit.
President Donald Trump extended a one-year exemption to Hungary on Friday from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil and gas, securing a critical diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Viktor Orban during their first White House meeting since Trump’s return. The decision allows Hungary to continue pipeline imports from Russia—via the Druzhba oil line and TurkStream gas—without facing secondary U.S. penalties such as loss of access to American banks, insurers, or shipping. Orban praised the move as a “major outcome” that protects Hungary’s energy security amid Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on Moscow.
The exemption comes after Trump’s October sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, designed to cut funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Hungary, which relies on Russia for up to 80% of its oil, argued it has no viable alternative due to its landlocked geography. Trump acknowledged this, telling reporters, “They don’t have the advantage of having sea.” In exchange, Hungary committed to $600 million in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the deal “full and unlimited,” though U.S. officials clarified it lasts one year.
Beyond energy, the leaders displayed strong ideological alignment. Orban predicted it would take a “miracle” for Ukraine to defeat Russia, deepening the divide with EU leaders. Trump backed Orban’s strict immigration policies, saying, “They should respect Hungary and this leader very, very strongly because he’s been right on immigration.” The U.S. president repeated unproven claims linking migrants to crime, echoing Orban’s border wall strategy.
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The summit strengthens Orban’s domestic position ahead of 2026 elections amid economic challenges, including Trump’s EU tariffs hurting Hungary’s auto industry. Recent U.S. actions—lifting sanctions on Orban’s aide and restoring visa waiver status—have warmed ties. Analysts see the exemption as a “symbolic win” that could encourage other nations to seek similar relief, weakening collective sanctions.
Hungary has offered to host a Trump-Putin summit, canceled last month over Moscow’s refusal to negotiate peace. While Orban pledged U.S. nuclear fuel deals with Westinghouse for long-term diversification, critics warn the exemption sustains Russian war revenue and signals favoritism toward illiberal allies in Europe.
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