US President Donald Trump has granted Hungary an exemption from sanctions on purchases of Russian oil, marking a significant political victory for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Bloomberg reported on November 7.
Orbán and a US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the decision following the leaders’ meeting at the White House.
Bloomberg highlights that Hungary received a “general, indefinite exemption” for imports of Russian oil and natural gas delivered through its two main pipelines. Orbán has argued that Hungary’s landlocked geography limits its alternatives, saying the country “has no port” and depends heavily on pipeline supply.
The exemption stands in contrast to broader European Union efforts to drastically cut Russian energy imports following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Other buyers—including India—have faced US penalties, with Trump imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods…
