Trump weighs Hungary’s request for exemption from Russian energy sanctions

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he is considering granting Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy. The discussion took place during a meeting 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, referring to Viktor Orbán.

Orbán emphasized that the issue is “vital” for his landlocked nation and mentioned he would discuss with Trump the potential “consequences for the Hungarian people” if sanctions were to take effect. He said he planned to present 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 put certain countries like Hungary, which do not have access to the sea, in an impossible situation,” Orbán said on state radio. “I’m going to ask the president to acknowledge that.”

A large Hungarian delegation accompanied Orbán to Washington, including cabinet members, business figures, and political influencers connected to his government. They traveled aboard a 220-passenger commercial jet chartered from Wizz Air.

Summary

President Trump met with Prime Minister Orbán to consider Hungary’s plea for a Russian energy sanctions exemption, citing its lack of seaport access and economic dependence.

The Boston Globe — 2025-11-07

Trump weighs Hungary’s request for exemption from Russian energy sanctions

Summary

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