US President Donald Trump said he would give Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Viktor, to buy Russian oil, an exemption from sanctions for helping with the Ukraine War.
Speaking Friday during Oban’s visit to the White House, Trump said an allowance could be made because “it’s very difficult for him [Orban] To get oil and gas from other places”.
The comments come after the US effectively blackmailed two of Russia’s biggest oil companies last month, threatening sanctions on those who buy from them.
After the meeting, Hungary’s foreign minister wrote to X that the US had given Budapest “a full and unlimited exemption from oil and gas sanctions”.
Trump added that while Hungary faces unique logistical challenges, including sea access that can be used to buy European goods
Orban, who is one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe and has long blocked the EU’s efforts to go to Ukraine, citing “ideological” or “physical reality” due to the lack of ports.
He is using his country’s heavy dependence on Russian oil as a way to maintain good relations with Moscow, as well as a platform he hopes will win elections in Hungary. He promised “cheap Russian energy” to voters.
Trump and Oban also discussed the war in Ukraine on Friday – their first formal talks since Trump returned to power – including the possibility of holding on to Putin.
“He [Orban] Understands Putin and knows him very well … I think that Viktor feels that we will get the end of the war in the near future”, said Trump.
In the meantime, the Hungarian leader, said only their two countries really want peace in Ukraine.
“All other governments want to continue the war because many of them think that Ukraine can win on the front line, which is a misunderstanding of the situation.”
Trump asked him: “So you’re saying Ukraine can’t win that war?” To which Orban replied: “You know, a miracle can happen.”
Besides the issue of oil and gas sanctions, Hungary’s export-driven industry has been hit by Trump’s tariffs on European goods, adding to a weak economy.
Despite frequent blasts by EU leaders on immigration, democracy, and the rule of law, Trump urged Europe to “respect this leader on immigration.”
with additional reporting by Nick Thorpe