Trump Rejects Orbán’s Request to Lift Sanctions on Russian Oil: A New Turn in US-Hungary Diplomacy
In a surprising diplomatic development, U.S.
President Donald Trump firmly declined the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s plea to lift or ease sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies.
During a conversation aboard Air Force One, journalists inquired about Trump’s reaction to Orbán’s intentions to request relief from sanctions.
Trump succinctly responded: “He asked for exemption [from U.S.
sanctions].
We did not grant it, but he is my friend.” This decision closes the door to potential changes in energy policy and eases the pressure on Russia’s oil industry through American sanctions.
Meanwhile, amid increasing sanctions pressure on Russia—including measures against companies like Rosneft and Lukoil—Hungary is preparing for possible fuel shortages.
Hungarian Prime Minister’s envoy Gergely Gulyás announced that on November 7, Orbán will meet with U.S.
President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss pathways for a meeting between U.S.
and Russian leaders aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine, and to seek exemptions from U.S.
energy sanctions.