Hungary seeks U.S. waiver on Russian oil sanctions
Hungary is now seeking an exception from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports, a move that strains relations with Washington following the collapse of Viktor Orbán’s government earlier this year. The shift comes as the country’s political leadership changes hands for the first time in sixteen years.
The U.S. Congress recently passed legislation that broadens President Donald Trump’s power to impose tariffs on nations importing Russian petroleum products. Trump signed the measure into law on Friday, but Hungary’s incoming administration, now under Prime Minister Péter Mátyás, must decide how to balance its energy needs with Washington’s demands. Despite earlier pledges to reduce reliance on Russian energy, Budapest remains locked into heavy dependence on Moscow, unlike many European Union partners that have already severed ties with Russian suppliers.
Márton Hajdú, the ruling-party lawmaker and head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated in a Monday Facebook post that he is seeking temporary relief from sanctions during the transition phase. His appeal follows recent discussions with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Washington. Hajdú’s request signals an attempt to secure stability in energy supplies while avoiding immediate penalties.
Trump had previously guaranteed Orbán “full and absolute” support ahead of the April elections, where the nationalist prime minister suffered a decisive loss after sixteen years in power. During a White House meeting in November 2025, Orbán claimed he had secured a “general and indefinite” exemption from U.S. energy sanctions, a commitment he described as lasting as long as both leaders remained in office. The new government must now assess whether Trump will honor that agreement under Mátyás’ leadership.
