Trump Grants Hungary Sanctions Exemption in Warm White House Meeting with Orban:

US President Donald Trump handed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil on Friday, in a meeting that showcased the close ties between the two right-wing leaders. The visit marked Orban’s first trip to the White House since Trump returned to power in January. During the meeting, the leaders exchanged high praise, with Orban stating that it would take a “miracle” for Ukraine to defeat Russia—a comment that underscores the stark difference between Hungary’s stance and that of most European nations regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump, meanwhile, expressed strong support for Orban’s migration policies, calling on European Union leaders to show the Hungarian prime minister greater respect. “I think they should respect Hungary and respect this leader very, very strongly because he’s been right on immigration,” Trump told reporters, echoing his long-standing concerns about migration in the United States. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto hailed the meeting as a “major outcome.” On X, he wrote, “The United States has granted Hungary a full and unlimited exemption from sanctions on oil and gas. We are grateful for this decision, which guarantees Hungary’s energy security.” Trump had earlier suggested that Hungary, being landlocked, could merit a special exemption. The country depends heavily on pipelines to meet its energy needs, making it more reliant on Russian oil than other EU nations, despite the bloc’s efforts to reduce Moscow’s influence. “As you know, they don’t have the advantage of having a sea,” Trump explained. Orban emphasized that pipeline dependence is not a political choice but a practical necessity. “Pipeline is not an ideological or political issue. It’s a physical reality because we don’t have port(s),” he said. Hungary, known as one of the EU’s closest allies of both Trump and Moscow, had also proposed hosting a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. However, the meeting was canceled last October due to Putin’s refusal to end the invasion of Ukraine and following the US imposition of sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. Washington had warned firms working with these companies that secondary sanctions could cut off access to US financial services, shipping, and insurance. Analysts say the White House visit offers Orban a symbolic win ahead of Hungary’s spring elections, which pose the toughest challenge to his 15-year rule amid economic stagnation. Daniel Hegedus, Central Europe Director at the German Marshall Fund, predicted that Trump would offer Orban some political victories. “I expect Trump will give a victory to Orban that he can sell at home and strengthens his position, as the administration actively supports political forces that divide the EU,” he said. Orban, who has refused to send military aid to Ukraine and opposes Kyiv’s EU membership bid, continues to clash with Brussels over rule of law and other EU policies. While Trump’s return has helped lift sanctions against top Orban aides and restore Hungary’s visa waiver status, tariffs imposed on EU exports have hit Hungary’s car industry, deepening the country’s economic challenges. The meeting in Washington underscored Hungary’s unique position within Europe and reaffirmed the personal and political bond between Orban and Trump—a relationship that continues to influence the geopolitics of both the EU and the US.

NEWS