Donald Trump Considers Meeting Vladimir Putin in Budapest
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that there remains a "very good chance" he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. This came during a White House meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Last month, Trump initially announced plans for the meeting in Budapest to discuss the war in Ukraine. However, the proposed summit was called off indefinitely about a week later. Despite that, Trump hinted at possibly revisiting the idea when asked about it during Orban's visit.
“There’s always a chance. Very good chance. We’re talking, but we’ll report on that later,” Trump said, without giving more specifics.
Hungary’s Purchase of Russian Oil
During the encounter, Trump was asked about Hungary buying oil from Russia. He didn’t respond directly but praised Orban as a “great leader.”
Later, Trump indicated he might consider a US sanctions exemption for Hungary regarding its Russian oil imports.
“We’re looking at it,” Trump said at the meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister, who has requested relief from US sanctions due to Hungary’s landlocked position and difficulty finding alternative energy sources.
Trump seemed sympathetic to Orban’s position on this matter.
Summary
President Trump is open to meeting Putin in Budapest and may allow Hungary an exemption from US sanctions on oil purchases from Russia, showing support for Hungarian concerns.