Trump considers exempting Hungary from Russian oil sanctions

President Donald Trump has revealed that his administration is considering granting Hungary an exemption from secondary sanctions for continuing to purchase Russian oil. The announcement came during a White House meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, where Trump acknowledged Hungary's unique geographical challenges in securing alternative energy supplies.

Geographical Justification for Exemption

Trump explained that Hungary's landlocked position creates significant difficulties in obtaining oil and gas from other sources. "They don't have the advantage of having sea... they don't have the ports," the president stated, suggesting that Hungary's circumstances differ from those of other European nations that continue Russian energy imports despite having better access to alternative suppliers.

Context of Existing Sanctions

The potential exemption consideration comes despite Trump's October imposition of sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, along with 34 of their subsidiaries. These measures were implemented as part of broader efforts to increase pressure on Moscow while the US administration pursues peace negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Broader European Energy Landscape

Trump noted that many European countries continue purchasing Russian oil and gas despite the ongoing conflict, though he distinguished Hungary's situation as particularly challenging due to its geographic limitations. The potential waiver would protect Hungary from secondary sanctions that would otherwise penalize countries engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned Russian energy entities.