Trump says Orbán requested exemption from Russian oil sanctions – Here’s how Washington responded
US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had asked for an exemption from the new US sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector. However, Washington refused to grant the request.
Trump: He asked for an exemption. We didn’t give it.
“He* has asked for an exemption. We haven’t granted one, but he has asked. He’s a friend of mine,” Trump said when asked about the latest anti-Russia measures. (It is “interesting” to note that the president referred to Viktor Orbán as President, and not Prime Minister.) Trump added that the decision was based on economic and security considerations and that no country was granted an exception from the sanctions.
Last week, the United States announced a new round of punitive measures against Russian energy giants Lukoil and Rosneft. According to the Kyiv Independent, the sanctions could also apply to countries and companies that continue to do business with the two firms – including buyers from India, China, and parts of Central Europe.
Orbán: “Hungary is in a unique situation”
Speaking earlier on Kossuth Radio, Viktor Orbán argued that Hungary is in a “vulnerable position” due to its geographical location, as it depends heavily on overland energy supply routes and lacks access to sea-based alternatives, Blikk reported. The prime minister said this “special situation” must be explained to the Americans if Hungary is to seek exceptions from sanctions.
Orbán also pointed out that while most EU member states have gradually phased out imports of Russian fossil fuels, Hungary and Slovakia still receive Russian crude oil via pipeline. In fact, Budapest has recently increased the share of Russian oil in its energy mix, claiming that a rapid shift away from it could trigger an economic crisis.
Washington refused to make an exception
Despite Orbán’s personal appeal, the United States decided not to exempt Hungary from the new sanctions, rejecting arguments about the country’s energy dependence and economic vulnerability.
Following the decision, US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said that Hungary, Türkiye, and Slovakia must start taking immediate steps to reduce their reliance on Russian energy sources.
Orbán to visit Washington next week
Viktor Orbán is scheduled to visit Trump next week, accompanied by several ministers and senior economic and security officials. The visit aims to conduct a “comprehensive review” of US–Hungarian relations and prepare a new package for economic cooperation and investment.
The Hungarian prime minister has repeatedly said that cutting dependence on Russian energy would be a highly costly and risky process “forced on Hungary by Western countries.”
A critical moment in US–Hungarian relations
Trump’s remarks may further strain ties between Budapest and Washington, particularly as Orbán continues to maintain close relations with Moscow while the EU and the US seek to curb Russian aggression. Analysts note that Washington’s refusal carries both economic and political weight, signalling that the United States will not make exceptions for any ally as long as they remain dependent on Russian energy.
FURTHER confirmation, that the name – Victor Mihaly. Orban, the SUPPOSED friendship and relationship, the RESPECT shared of each other being Orban & D. J. Trump represents again to the people of Hungary – a FABRICATION of TRUTH.
Victor Mihaly. Orban – he stands at the end of a PLANK that one foot, is dangling – that below the predators watch anxiously waiting for his FALL and their gargantuan RIGHTFUL feed.
A place Victor Mihaly. Orban is in of NO return – never, never, never – for the FUTURE of Hungary.
D. J. Trump, a Presidency in CHAOS.
Victor Mihaly. Orban “powerless” to undo the humongous DAMAGE that he in his (16) years of Prime Ministership of Hungary, his Fidesz Government – that HAVE delivered Hungary to a country that must remove eliminate the name Victor Mihaly. from any form of POLITICAL life – of POWER in Hungary come the Spring of 2026.
Even the sanctions wont stop the Hungarian golden age! 🤣 Thanks god next year fidesz will be finally kicked out!