On Friday, US President Donald Trump met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to discuss exemptions from sanctions for continued purchases of Russian oil and gas, as well as to discuss the war in Ukraine and the possibility of a future meeting between Trump and Putin in Hungary. Trump also took the opportunity to praise Orbán for doing everything right in his resistance to immigration, while suggesting that the rest of the EU has done everything wrong and is actually envious of Orbán.

The White House recently announced new sanctions on Russian oil exports, specifically targeting the country’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions not only apply to the two main companies, but also to their subsidiaries and anyone connected to them in any way.

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According to the decision, it is potentially punishable to have dealings with any company or individual covered by the sanctions. The purpose of the new measures is to influence Russian oil exports and thereby pressure Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Hungary is dependent on Russian oil and gas through its pipelines because the country lacks ports and therefore faces logistical challenges. Figures from the International Monetary Fund show that Hungary was dependent on Russia for 74% of its gas and 86% of its oil in 2024.

Therefore, Orbán has appealed to Trump for understanding of his energy situation, which would otherwise harm the country’s economy.

“We are looking at it because it is very difficult for him to get oil and gas from other areas,” Trump said at the press conference.

The US president has now agreed to an exemption. According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, this is “a complete and unlimited exemption from oil and gas sanctions.” However, the media report a temporary agreement that will be valid for one year.

At the same time, Hungary has agreed to purchase natural gas from the US worth several hundred million dollars as part of the agreement.

Trump: “Do you believe Ukraine can win the war?”

During the press conference, Trump and Orbán also discussed the war in Ukraine. It was recently announced that Trump and Putin would meet in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, but the meeting was canceled from Trump’s side because the White House believed it would not lead anywhere, given Russia’s position in the war and lack of interest in a ceasefire according to Ukraine and NATO’s wishes.

“He [Orbán] understands Putin and knows him very well… I think Viktor feels that we will end the war in the not too distant future,” Trump said.

The Hungarian prime minister claimed that only Hungary and the US truly want peace in Ukraine, and that at least only these two countries are seriously committed to ending the war as soon as possible.

“All other governments prefer to continue the war because many of them believe that Ukraine can win on the front, which is a misconception of the situation,” Orbán stated.

Trump then asked Orbán:

“So you would say that Ukraine cannot win the war?”

Orbán replied to Trump that it would take a miracle for Russia to lose the war.

“You know, miracles can happen,” he said.

This made the US president laugh in front of the press. Later in the press conference, Trump added that he does not believe Ukraine can win the war against Russia.

Praised Hungary’s immigration policy

During the press conference, Trump also took the opportunity to praise Orbán for his immigration policy. According to Trump, Orbán has done everything right, while the rest of the EU countries have done everything wrong.

Trump also emphasized that the mass immigration these countries have experienced has made them “unrecognizable” and led to a significant increase in crime. The US president stated to the press that he knows that many countries in the EU are envious of Hungary’s situation.

“He is a fantastic leader and he is respected everywhere. Not by all leaders, but they have been proven wrong. He has not made any mistakes when it comes to immigration,” Trump said.

Trump also expressed his support for Orbán in next year’s election in Hungary.

“He is respected by all. He is liked by some. And I can tell you, I am doubly: I like him and respect him,” Trump said.

Watch the full press conference with Trump and Orbán here: