Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will visit the White House on Friday to meet with US President Donald Trump for a crucial discussion about Hungary's dependence on Russian energy and the impact of new US sanctions on Russian oil.
The Hungarian leader aims to secure a possible exemption from the sanctions. Officials in Budapest have warned that their economy could face severe difficulties if Russian imports are halted abruptly.
Hungary remains one of the few European Union and NATO members that has made limited progress in reducing reliance on Russian oil and gas since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
US officials, including NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker, emphasized that Hungary lacks concrete plans to transition away from Russian energy dependency and has been slower than its neighbors in pursuing diversification.
The United States has offered to support Budapest’s efforts toward energy diversification should the Orban government show readiness to move forward.
Orban’s delegation will likely seek firm commitments from Washington, including potential exemptions on Russian oil and openings for increased US-Hungary energy and economic cooperation. Despite this, any exemption faces significant political and diplomatic obstacles.
The meeting may shape future EU and transatlantic discussions on energy security and highlight divisions within the bloc over how to balance economic stability with geopolitical commitments.
Author’s Summary: Orban’s Washington visit underscores Hungary’s strategic dilemma—balancing national energy needs with its obligations under Western sanctions while seeking Trump’s support for greater flexibility.