Overview
- Hungary says the waiver covers oil and gas, with its foreign minister calling it “unlimited,” while a White House official told AFP it will last one year.
- Anonymously briefed U.S. officials said the arrangement includes a Hungarian commitment to buy roughly $600 million of American liquefied natural gas.
- Trump hosted Viktor Orbán at the White House on Nov. 7, saying Hungary’s lack of seaport makes alternative sourcing difficult and urging the EU to “respect” the Hungarian leader.
- AFP and other outlets reported the U.S. also pledged to shut a U.S.-funded Hungarian‑language outlet, Szabad Europa, as part of broader support for Orbán.
- The move follows October U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil and raises concerns in Europe over sanctions cohesion, with Hungary heavily reliant on Russian crude—reported at about 86% of imports in 2024.