Washington, November 8 (Udaipur Kiran): The United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from its sanctions on the use of Russian oil and gas. The decision came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday for what officials described as a “friendly meeting.”
Last month, Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, warning countries purchasing oil from them of additional penalties. However, Orbán, a long-time ally of Trump, managed to convince him of Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
According to sources, Orbán explained during their first bilateral meeting that Hungary’s reliance on Russian oil and gas is vital for its economy and citizens. He said, “This is a critical issue for Hungary. Without Russian oil and gas, our people and economy would face serious consequences.”
Responding sympathetically, Trump said, “We’re looking into it because it’s very difficult for them to get oil and gas from elsewhere. As you know, they have no sea access — a great country, a big country, but without ports.”
Trump, however, added, “Many European countries have been buying oil and gas from Russia for years. I said, ‘What’s this all about?’”
Hungary has continued to rely heavily on Russian energy since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, drawing criticism from the European Union and NATO allies. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2024 Hungary imported 74% of its gas and 86% of its oil from Russia. Any reduction in Russian gas supplies could lower Hungary’s GDP by more than 4%.
A White House official confirmed that apart from the exemption, Hungary signed a $600 billion deal to purchase American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Trump administration has also reinstated Hungary’s participation in the US Visa Waiver Program.
The two leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump said he had planned to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest last month, but the meeting was postponed after Moscow rejected a ceasefire proposal. “The main issue is that they don’t want to stop yet. But I think they will,” Trump said. When asked if Ukraine could win the war, Orbán replied, “That would be a miracle.”
The meeting also covered economic cooperation between the two countries. Orbán predicted a “golden era” in US-Hungary relations and criticized the previous Joe Biden administration — a remark that Trump appreciated. Facing elections next year, Orbán has aligned closely with Trump on strict immigration policies.
Offering his support, Trump said, “He has made no mistakes on immigration. That’s why he’s respected by everyone… I like and respect him. Hungary is moving in the right direction, and he’ll be very successful in the coming election.”
Last year, the European Union’s top court fined Hungary €200 billion ($216 billion) for violating migration and asylum rules, with an additional €1 billion daily penalty for non-compliance. Orbán discussed the issue with Trump but said he would handle the “dispute” himself.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.