Donald Trump has announced a one-year exemption for Hungary from sanctions related to its ongoing purchases of Russian oil and gas, as confirmed by a White House official. This decision follows a meeting at the White House with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a political ally of Trump. The U.S. president indicated that an exemption could be beneficial due to Hungary’s difficulties in sourcing oil and gas from alternative locations.
Previously, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil companies and warned against dealings with them. Following the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó communicated on social media that Budapest had received a “full and unlimited” exemption from these sanctions, though the U.S. official specified that it is limited to one year.
This development has raised questions about consistency in U.S. sanctions policy, especially after Trump had emphasized a commitment to penalizing those doing business with Russian energy firms. While Hungary plans to purchase U.S. natural gas as part of the arrangement, this could create tension with other European nations that have opposed Hungary’s strong ties to Russia.
Orban has historically enjoyed close relations with Russia and has leveraged his country’s energy dependence to maintain these connections. He has stated that pipelines should not be viewed through a political lens but rather seen as a practical necessity, especially for his landlocked nation.
During their discussions, Trump and Orban also touched on the ongoing war in Ukraine. While Trump expressed hope for a resolution, Orban pointed out a divide among governments regarding the conflict, suggesting that many believe Ukraine can succeed militarily, which he views as a misconception.
Overall, this exemption represents a significant development in U.S.-Hungarian relations, particularly amid the broader geopolitical context surrounding Russian energy dependency and the war in Ukraine.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp85dvnkpv4o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss