Trump gives Hungary one-year exemption from Russian energy sanctions

The opt-out comes despite the US increasing pressure on allies to sever economic ties with Russia.

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Earlier, the US president said he would consider an opt-out for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close Trump ally who has maintained good relations with Russia throughout the Ukraine war.

Speaking on Friday during Orban's visit to the White House, Trump said an exemption was under consideration because "it's very difficult for him [Orban] to get the oil and gas from other areas".

It comes after the US effectively blacklisted two of Russia's largest oil companies last month, threatening sanctions on those who buy from them.

Following the meeting, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó wrote on X that the US had given Budapest "a full and unlimited exemption from sanctions on oil and gas".