U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he rejected Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s request to grant an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil. He made the statement during a conversation with reporters, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Reuters.
According to the agency, Orbán had hoped to persuade the U.S. president to allow Hungary a special permit to import Russian oil, as the country heavily depends on pipeline deliveries. Due to its lack of access to the sea, Hungary must rely on these specific routes for energy supplies.
The Hungarian prime minister also announced that on November 7, he plans to discuss U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as explore the possibility of signing a broad economic agreement with the United States. Orbán emphasized that Budapest is trying to explain to Washington that the country’s geographic conditions create unique energy constraints.
During a press conference on October 31, Donald Trump stressed that despite his friendly relationship with Orbán, the United States will not make any exceptions to the sanctions regime. “Yes, he asked for an exemption, but we did not provide one, not a single one. He is my friend, but the rules remain unchanged,” Trump said.
Earlier we wrote that Hungary Launches Petition Against EU’s Military Plans Amid Fears of War.
