(Budapest, 9th) Hungary announced on Saturday (November 8) that it has obtained an indefinite exemption from US sanctions on its use of Russian oil and natural gas. However, this statement contradicts earlier reports from White House officials that the exemption would only last for one year, drawing attention.
According to Reuters, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto subsequently confirmed the news on the social media platform Facebook. He said: "The Prime Minister has made it clear. He reached an agreement with the US President, and we have obtained an indefinite exemption. There are no sanctions on Hungary’s oil and natural gas transportation, and the exemption is not limited in duration."
Last month, US President Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft due to issues related to Ukraine, and threatened to impose further sanctions on entities that purchase oil from these companies.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time ally of Trump, met with Trump at the White House on Friday (7th) to seek this exemption.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time ally of Trump, met with Trump at the White House on Friday (7th) to seek this exemption.
Hungary is highly dependent on Russian energy. In addition, for Orban, who has been in power for 15 years and will face a fierce election next year, energy security is crucial to his political stability.
However, a White House official previously told the media that the exemption is only for one year. The official also said that in addition to the sanctions exemption, Hungary also committed to purchasing about US$600 million (about RM2.5116 billion) worth of US liquefied natural gas (LNG).
However, a White House official previously told the media that the exemption is only for one year. The official also said that in addition to the sanctions exemption, Hungary also committed to purchasing about US$600 million (about RM2.5116 billion) worth of US liquefied natural gas (LNG).