US Grants Hungary Exemption on Russian Oil Sanctions

Washington: The United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions for using Russian oil and gas, a White House official said on Friday. This development follows Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, where Orban advocated for the exemption as a crucial necessity for Hungary. According to Emirates News Agency, Orban emphasized the importance of the issue for Hungary, a European nation, and promised to outline "the consequences for the Hungarian people, and for the Hungarian economy." Addressing the situation, Trump acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by Hungary due to its lack of access to seaports, which complicates obtaining oil and gas from alternative sources. The White House official also mentioned that Hungary has agreed to purchase US liquefied natural gas, formalizing contracts worth approximately $600 million.