US President Donald Trump has granted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban a full exemption from sanctions on Russian oil, reinforcing their close political alliance. The decision came after a friendly White House meeting where both leaders praised each other’s policies and shared views on migration and the war in Ukraine.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the exemption a “major outcome” that ensures Hungary’s energy security. Trump justified the move by noting Hungary’s landlocked geography, which forces it to rely on Russian pipelines for energy.
Orban emphasized that energy supply is a practical issue, not a political one. He also acknowledged that Ukraine’s chances of defeating Russia would require a “miracle,” highlighting his distance from other European leaders.
Trump urged the European Union to show more respect for Orban, applauding his tough stance on migration. He claimed, without evidence, that migration fuels crime.
Although Trump’s return to power has restored Hungary’s visa waiver status and lifted sanctions on a top aide, new US tariffs have hurt the country’s car exports. Analysts say the exemption offers Orban a symbolic victory as he faces a difficult election year and growing economic pressure.
