The US president has also indicated his continued desire for a meeting with Russia’s leader in Budapest.
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Hungary might receive an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil, a measure necessitated by the country’s high dependence on these energy supplies.
“We are examining the situation because it is exceptionally difficult for them to acquire oil and gas from alternative sources,” Trump informed reporters during a White House discussion with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“It is a substantial country, but it is landlocked,” Trump elaborated. “They possess no ports. Consequently, they encounter a considerable challenge.”
“But when one observes developments in Europe, many of those countries do not face such predicaments. Yet, they procure significant volumes of oil and gas from Russia. And as they are well aware, I am greatly troubled by this, seeing as we are providing them aid while they proceed to purchase oil and gas from Russia.”
Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on two prominent Russian oil corporations, Rosneft and Lukoil, both of which continue to supply energy products to Hungary and Slovakia. Budapest has sought an exemption from these sanctions, asserting a lack of other viable oil sources. Orban himself has labeled the sanctions a “mistake.”
The Hungarian Prime Minister has been among Europe’s most vocal critics of the sanctions, contending that they would severely impair his nation’s energy capabilities.
Europe has already experienced sharp increases in energy prices since reducing Russian fuel imports following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This transition away from a long-standing supplier has contributed to higher industrial expenses and sparked debates over the European Union’s energy independence. Moscow, in turn, has accused Western governments of politicizing energy markets and pushing Europe towards more expensive, less reliable alternatives.