Orbán-Trump deal live: Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions enters into force today

The US sanctions imposed on the Russian energy sector take effect today, but Hungary’s exemption – agreed recently in Washington – also comes into force simultaneously, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced in Brussels on Friday.

Exemption from sanctions in effect

According to a statement from the ministry, responding to journalists’ questions in Brussels, Szijjártó confirmed that the new US restrictions on purchasing Russian crude oil are now in effect. However, Hungary is not subject to these measures under an agreement reached two weeks ago between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and US President Donald Trump.

“Our American partners have informed us that, as of today, the US measures granting Hungary an exemption from the imposed oil-purchase sanctions are entering into force,” he said.

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“From today – just as yesterday, the day before, and before that – Hungary’s energy supply remains secure, because the US decisions providing an exemption for our country take effect today,” he added.

This was the key issue at Orbán-Trump meeting

“This was, in fact, the key issue at the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington. The Prime Minister achieved this. He succeeded in reaching an agreement with Donald Trump. This also proves that international politics is the domain of experienced politicians capable of securing agreements. These matters are not settled in Facebook posts; the energy security of a country can only be guaranteed through the agreements of serious people,” he said.

Szijjártó also responded to an earlier statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he suggested that oil deliveries to Hungary might be halted.

“When the Ukrainian president considers such steps, there is one thing he should certainly keep in mind: in October, 51% of Ukraine’s electricity imports came from Hungary,” he stressed.

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“Last month, more electricity arrived in Ukraine from Hungary than from all other countries combined. This means that Hungary is indispensable when it comes to Ukraine’s energy security,” he continued.

Hungary to “ensure the energy supply” of Ukraine

“Of course, we Hungarians respect every rule that applies to us, and Hungary will continue to play an important role in ensuring the energy supply of Ukrainian families, Ukrainian people, Ukrainian households and the Ukrainian economy,” he emphasised.

“So when President Zelensky says he will stop oil deliveries to Hungary, he should consider the fact that today, more electricity is flowing to Ukraine from Hungary than from all other countries combined,” he concluded.