US President Donald Trump has indicated he may allow Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban to purchase Russian oil, offering a potential exemption from sanctions intended to help end the war in Ukraine. During Orban’s visit to the White House on Friday, Trump explained that such an allowance could be made because Hungary faces significant challenges in sourcing oil and gas from alternative suppliers.
This announcement follows the US move last month to blacklist two of Russia’s largest oil companies, warning of sanctions for any buyers. After the meeting, Hungary’s foreign minister posted on X that Budapest had received “a full and unlimited exemption from sanctions on oil and gas.” Trump noted Hungary’s unique logistical difficulties, including its lack of sea access for oil drilling, but expressed frustration with other European nations that continue to buy Russian commodities despite not being landlocked.
Orban, one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, has consistently resisted EU pressure to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. He defended Hungary’s energy ties with Russia, stating that pipelines are a “physical reality” rather than a political or ideological issue, given Hungary’s geographic constraints.
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