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U.S. Weighs Hungary Exemption From Russia Energy Sanctions After Orbán Meeting

Budapest asserts it secured an open-ended waiver, contradicting U.S. signals that any relief would likely be limited to about one year.

Overview

  • President Trump said he is considering exempting Hungary, citing its landlocked position and difficulty sourcing non-Russian oil and gas.
  • Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó claimed on X that Washington granted a comprehensive, unlimited waiver covering oil and gas purchases.
  • Reuters, citing U.S. officials, reported the contemplated exemption would last one year rather than indefinitely.
  • The conflicting accounts indicate the scope and duration of any waiver are unresolved and could strain coordination with European governments favoring tougher energy restrictions on Russia.
  • The talks follow U.S. sanctions announced Oct. 22 on two Russian oil firms, and Trump suggested Hungary could host a possible U.S.–Russia summit if it proceeds.