Hungary has received a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas, following a meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and US President Donald Trump. This decision, announced by a White House official, aims to assist Hungary in securing its energy supplies, given its landlocked status and reliance on Russian energy imports.

During their discussions, Trump acknowledged the challenges Hungary faces in sourcing oil and gas from other regions due to its geographical limitations. "They don’t have the advantage of having seas. It’s a great country, it’s a big country, but they don’t have a sea, they don’t have the ports," Trump stated. Orbán emphasized the importance of Russian energy for Hungary's economy, warning that cutting off supplies could severely impact the nation. He described the situation as vital for the Hungarian people and economy, stating, "Without them, energy prices will skyrocket, causing shortages in our supplies."

The exemption comes after the US imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in response to Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orbán, who has maintained a close relationship with Russia, expressed his concerns about the sanctions, calling them a "mistake" from Hungary's perspective. He reiterated that Hungary's energy needs are not merely political but a matter of physical reality due to its lack of access to sea routes.

The meeting was characterized by mutual praise, with Trump calling Orbán a "great leader" and highlighting his immigration policies. Orbán thanked Trump for restoring US-Hungary relations, which he claimed had suffered under the previous administration. The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with both agreeing that it would take a "miracle" for Ukraine to achieve victory.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto described the exemption as a significant outcome of the meeting, stating, "We are grateful for this decision, which guarantees Hungary’s energy security." The US has not yet confirmed when a final decision regarding the exemption will be made, but the discussions signal a strengthening of ties between the two nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.