Suche
Mein Konto
Trump is examining exemptions for Hungary: oil imports under pressure!
US President Trump is considering an exemption for Hungary to allow Russian oil and gas imports despite sanctions.
Trump is examining exemptions for Hungary: oil imports under pressure!
On November 7, 2025, there was an important meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The focus of the discussions was Hungary's complicated situation with regard to the import of Russian energy. While Trump emphasized that he was ready to consider Hungary's request for a possible exemption from US sanctions, Orban made the urgency of his request clear in his remarks.
The Hungarian head of state asked for permission to continue purchasing oil and gas from Russia. “There are no alternatives in the short term,” Orban made clear, pointing out that Hungary, as a landlocked country, is dependent on the Druzhba pipeline from Ukraine. This supplies the country with most of its crude oil imports. According to Orban, the second pipeline via Croatia, which the country owns, is used sparingly as a supplement. Trump showed understanding for the situation, as Hungary has no seaports from which alternative energy sources could be procured. radioenneperuhr.de reports that ...
The geopolitical dimension
Trump announced that the US government would closely examine Hungary's concerns. The background is complex and is closely related to the new sanctions imposed on Russian energy companies in October 2025, which are aimed at undermining Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin's resolve in the Ukraine conflict. These sanctions could also result in secondary punitive measures against buyers like Hungary, further complicating the situation for Orban. [Tagesschau reports that ...](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ Amerika/treffen-trump-orban-oelimporte-100.html)
While the EU received 29 percent of its oil imports from Russia in the first quarter of 2021, this share fell to just two percent by the second quarter of 2025. Given these figures, it is all the more remarkable for Hungary that Orban continues to import natural gas and oil. He is firmly convinced that security of supply is “vital” for the Hungarian economy and households. The argument is supported by the high dependence on gas heating (90 percent). US senators also called on Hungary to strictly adhere to the EU plan, which calls for the end of Russian imports by the end of 2027.
Orban and the future of Hungarian politics
Viktor Orban appeared at this important meeting with a large delegation of ministers, entrepreneurs and political confidants, which underlines the importance of this meeting. Trump's support will be particularly important symbolically for Orban, as parliamentary elections are coming up in Hungary next year. Given the critical view of Hungarian energy policy, the opposition sees itself in a stronger position. Orban is aware of this and has even strongly threatened to veto EU sanctions packages, which is further increasing tensions within the Union.
Trump, for his part, was full of praise for Orban, calling him a “great leader.” He also stated that he was committed to better understanding and respect for Hungary from other European nations. This could be crucial to give Orban the political backing he needs to stay in power after the elections in an increasingly critical international environment.
Overall, the situation remains tense. While Western partners expect a united front against Russia, Hungary plays a special role in this geopolitical game. The coming weeks and months will show how relations between Hungary, the USA and the European Union will develop.