Hungary Seeks U.S. Exemption From Russian Energy Sanctions

The Hungarian government is currently seeking an exemption from new U.S. penalties regarding the purchase of Russian oil and natural gas. Following the recent signing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which grants the U.S. president authority to impose significant tariffs on countries importing Russian energy, Hungarian officials have initiated discussions with American lawmakers in Washington to secure a transitional waiver.

Márton Hajdu, chairman of the Hungarian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, stated that the administration of Prime Minister Péter Magyar is committed to reducing its energy dependence on Russia but requires time to complete this transition. While the previous administration under Viktor Orbán claimed to have secured an indefinite exemption from such penalties, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry has since clarified that any prior arrangements are set to expire on November 21. The current government is now working to establish a new framework for energy cooperation with the United States while navigating the implications of the updated American sanctions legislation.