Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week to discuss U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies, among other issues, according to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
Trump recently introduced sanctions on Russia, targeting companies including Lukoil and Rosneft, as part of efforts to encourage a ceasefire in Ukraine. The sanctions have raised questions for Hungary and Slovakia, two of the European Union’s largest purchasers of Russian oil, who previously received exemptions from EU restrictions.
Orban had indicated that preparations for his mid-October visit were nearly complete. Szijjarto stated that the meeting would provide an opportunity for the prime minister to address energy supply matters directly with the U.S. president.
The new sanctions, which take effect in late November, have not yet affected Hungary’s oil imports from Russia, according to Szijjarto. Orban has also noted that Hungary is exploring ways to navigate the U.S. sanctions, without providing specific details or indicating an intention to contravene them. Discussions have taken place with the national oil and gas company MOL regarding the matter.
Orban, who faces re-election in 2026, has maintained a longstanding personal rapport with Trump. His firm stance on immigration has also found resonance among Trump’s supporters. Economic issues are expected to be part of the agenda during the upcoming meeting.
