Trump Considers Energy Sanction Exemption for Hungary Amid Diplomatic Talks

Sat Nov 08 2025 04:02:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President Donald Trump expressed that he is contemplating granting Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy, citing the challenges facing landlocked nations in securing energy supplies.

During discussions in Washington, President Trump acknowledged the difficulties Hungary faces due to U.S. sanctions on Russian energy. Prime Minister Orbán emphasized the urgency of finding solutions for Hungary, while a bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged the country to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels. The conversations also included a forthcoming nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the two nations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said on Friday he’s considering granting Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy as he sat down with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House. “We’re looking at it because it's very difficult for him to get the oil and gas from other areas,” Trump said.

Orbán stated it’s a “vital” issue for his landlocked country, and planned to discuss the “consequences for the Hungarian people” if the sanctions took effect.

In his comments, Orbán mentioned he would present Trump with several “suggestions” for implementing an exemption. “I’m not asking for some kind of gift from the Americans or some kind of unusual thing. 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,” Orbán told state radio.

A large delegation of cabinet members, business leaders, and numerous right-wing political influencers with close connections to Hungary’s government accompanied Orbán to Washington. They rented a 220-passenger commercial jet from Hungarian carrier Wizz Air for the journey.

Prior to Orbán’s arrival on Thursday, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution calling on Hungary to end its dependence on Russian energy. The resolution was co-signed by ten senators, including Mitch McConnell and Jeanne Shaheen. It “expresses concern that Hungary has shown no sign of reducing its dependence on Russian fossil fuels,” urging Budapest to adhere to a European Union plan to cease all Russian energy imports by the end of 2027.

“Europe has made extraordinary progress cutting its energy ties with Moscow,” Shaheen remarked, emphasizing that Hungary's actions undermine collective security. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also announced plans to sign a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation agreement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking Hungary’s first-ever purchases of American nuclear fuel.

As discussions continue, Orbán and his officials met with Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Orbán expressed solidary with the Bolsonaros amidst the challenges they face.