Overview
- U.S. officials say the exemption lasts one year, while Viktor Orbán claims it is unrestricted.
- The decision enables Hungary to continue importing Russian oil and gas despite new U.S. sanctions that include potential secondary measures.
- European reporting notes Hungary received EU flexibility to diversify but failed to meaningfully cut reliance on Russian supplies.
- Analysts and polling indicate the move reduces economic strain ahead of a spring 2026 election in which Orbán faces a real risk of defeat.
- Regional media report Orbán told President Trump that Ukraine cannot win the war, prompting fresh criticism of Budapest's stance.