Trump Denies Orban's Request to Exempt Hungary from Russian Oil Sanctions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has requested an exemption from U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, citing Hungary's heavy reliance on pipeline-delivered Russian energy due to its landlocked geography. President Donald Trump acknowledged the request, referring to Orbán as a friend, but has not granted the exemption, emphasizing the ongoing diplomatic considerations ahead of their scheduled meeting. The sanctions aim to pressure Russia amid its conflict in Ukraine, with Hungary standing out as one of the few European Union countries continuing substantial purchases of Russian oil. Orbán argues that cutting off Russian oil supplies would severely threaten Hungary's energy security and economic stability, a position contested by some critics. This diplomatic tension highlights Hungary's delicate balancing act between maintaining ties with both Moscow and Washington under Trump's administration. The upcoming bilateral meeting on November 7 will be crucial in determining whether Hungary can secure relief from the sanctions that pose significant challenges to its energy infrastructure.