WASHINGTON — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary has received a one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy following his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. The exemption allows Hungary to continue importing Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline and gas via the TurkStream pipeline, highlighting the close ties between the two leaders.
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Orbán emphasized that access to Russian energy is “vital” for his landlocked country and said he discussed the consequences for the Hungarian people if sanctions were applied. In parallel, Hungary agreed to buy U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) worth around $600 million and to cooperate with the U.S. on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors. The country will also purchase nuclear fuel from Westinghouse Electric Company, though it plans to continue using Russian nuclear fuel as well.
The exemption comes amid pressure from the European Union, which has largely cut or ceased imports of Russian energy. Prior to Orbán’s visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a resolution urging Hungary to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels, arguing that the country’s actions undermine European security and embolden Moscow.
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Orbán traveled to Washington with a large delegation, including cabinet members, business leaders, and political influencers. During his trip, he also met with Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, expressing solidarity with the Bolsonaro family amid their legal troubles.