WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated on Friday he’s considering granting Hungary an exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House. We’re looking at it because it's very difficult for him to get the oil and gas from other areas, Trump remarked.
Orbán labeled this as a vital concern for his landlocked nation and detailed plans to discuss the sanctions' consequences for the Hungarian populace with Trump. Orbán mentioned, I am simply asking for the realization that the sanctions recently imposed on Russian energy put certain countries like Hungary, which do not have access to the sea, in an impossible situation.
A sizable delegation of Hungarian officials and business leaders accompanied Orbán to Washington, having traveled on a 220-passenger commercial jet from Hungarian carrier Wizz Air.
Prior to Orbán’s visit, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators had introduced a resolution pressing Hungary to diminish its dependence on Russian oil and gas. This resolution was co-signed by senators from both parties, focusing on the need for Hungary to comply with European Union energy reduction targets.
Europe has made extraordinary progress cutting its energy ties with Moscow, but Hungary’s actions continue to undermine collective security and embolden the Kremlin, said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who supported the resolution.
Additionally, on Friday, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced plans to sign a bilateral nuclear energy cooperation agreement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aiming to initiate Hungary's purchase of American nuclear fuel and technology.
Orbán also recently expressed solidarity with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's family, showcasing Hungary's diverse international relations amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
