### Hungary's Energy Dilemma: Orban's Plea to Trump for Sanctions Exemption Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on November 8, 2025, to discuss the possibility of exempting Hungary from new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. Hungary has been increasingly reliant on Russian energy supplies, particularly oil, and has resisted pressure from the U.S. and the European Union to reduce its imports. The sanctions, aimed at Russian oil firms, have raised concerns for Hungary, which is landlocked and heavily dependent on pipeline routes from Russia for its energy needs. Orbán's visit is seen as a critical opportunity to negotiate Hungary's energy security amidst geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 [https://apnews.com/article/hungary-us-russian-oil-sanctions-trump-orban-8f4dc5cab181cb453ae1557879abb7b4][https://www.rt.com/news/627221-trump-orban-hungary-sanctions]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Background on Hungary's Energy Dependency** - Hungary's reliance on Russian oil and gas. - The impact of U.S. sanctions on Hungary's energy security. 2. **Orbán's Strategy for Negotiation** - Orbán's planned discussions with Trump. - The economic cooperation package Hungary hopes to finalize. 3. **U.S. Position on Sanctions** - The rationale behind U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. - Expectations from the U.S. regarding Hungary's energy imports. 4. **Potential Outcomes of the Meeting** - Possible scenarios following the negotiation. - Implications for Hungary's energy policy and U.S.-Hungary relations. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Hungary's Oil Imports**: Hungary has increased its share of Russian oil imports despite EU sanctions, which have led most member states to reduce their reliance on Russian energy [https://www.rt.com/news/627193-hungary-exemption-us-russian-oil][https://news.az/news/us-urges-hungary-to-stop-buying-russian-energy-as-budapest-pushes-back]. - **Economic Cooperation**: Orbán aims to secure not only an exemption from sanctions but also to finalize an economic cooperation package with the U.S. during his visit [https://www.rt.com/news/627221-trump-orban-hungary-sanctions][https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/10/31/orban-to-ask-trump-for-russian-oil-sanctions-waiver]. - **U.S. Expectations**: The U.S. has urged Hungary to stop buying Russian energy, indicating a firm stance on sanctions [https://kyivindependent.com/us-expects-hungary-to-stop-buying-russian-oil-gas][https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-27/us-boosts-pressure-on-hungary-to-stop-russian-oil-imports]. ### Conclusion: Navigating Energy Security and Geopolitical Pressures In summary, **Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing a critical juncture in negotiating with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding sanctions on Russian oil**. The meeting on November 8 could significantly impact Hungary's energy security and its relationship with the U.S. The following points summarize the situation: 1. **Energy Dependency**: Hungary's reliance on Russian oil poses challenges amid U.S. sanctions. 2. **Negotiation Goals**: Orbán seeks an exemption from sanctions and aims to finalize an economic cooperation package. 3. **U.S. Stance**: The U.S. maintains a firm position on sanctions, expecting Hungary to comply. 4. **Future Implications**: The outcome of the meeting could reshape Hungary's energy policy and its geopolitical alignment. The stakes are high as Hungary navigates its energy needs against the backdrop of international sanctions and geopolitical tensions [https://www.intellinews.com/viktor-orban-facing-delicate-balancing-act-to-persuade-donald-trump-to-ease-pressure-on-hungary-over-russian-sanctions-408836/?source=hungary][https://news.az/news/orban-to-press-trump-for-flexibility-on-russia-energy-sanctions].