Hungary’s Orban Seeks Trump’s Support to Buy Russian Oil

UPDATE: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is heading to the White House today, October 6, 2023, for an urgent meeting with former President Donald Trump, seeking his endorsement to continue buying Russian oil. This visit comes amid escalating pressure from both Brussels and Washington to cut ties with Russian energy sources, critical for funding the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Orban’s meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter with Trump since he retook office, and it is a crucial moment for Hungary’s energy strategy. The Hungarian leader aims to persuade U.S. officials to grant Hungary an exemption from sanctions that could threaten its energy supply. Orban asserts that Hungary’s landlocked position means it has “no viable alternatives” to Russian crude, which has increased from 61% to 86% of its energy mix since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.

The backdrop of this meeting is significant. As Europe strives to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels, Hungary has remained resistant, increasing its imports even as other EU nations have sharply reduced theirs. Orban’s critics argue that his claims of limited options are misleading. Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador, stated, “Don’t insult everyone’s intelligence,” emphasizing that neighboring Poland has successfully diversified its energy sources while Hungary has not.

Trump’s administration recently imposed sanctions on major Russian energy firms, heightening the urgency for Hungary to adapt. Orban hopes that his close relationship with Trump will play a pivotal role in his appeal for continued access to Russian oil. In past statements, Trump has acknowledged Hungary’s predicament, noting its reliance on the Druzhba pipeline for Russian crude delivery.

However, there are alternative routes available, such as the Adria pipeline from Croatia, which could supply non-Russian oil to Hungary’s main refinery. Critics assert that Hungary has ignored these options, leading to its current dependency.

Amid these discussions, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has indicated that the agenda includes the possibility of facilitating peace talks in Ukraine, underlining Hungary’s pivotal role in the ongoing conflict. “If U.S.-Russian preparatory work is successful, Hungary is ready to host a peace summit,” Szijjártó announced, showcasing Hungary’s desire to position itself as a mediator, despite its controversial stance on military support for Ukraine.

Orban’s previous posture toward Ukraine remains contentious, as he has consistently opposed supplying weapons to Kyiv and threatened to veto EU sanctions against Russia. His critics have charged that Hungary’s alignment with Moscow undermines European unity and aids the aggressor in the conflict.

This meeting between Orban and Trump is not just a diplomatic engagement; it represents a critical moment for Hungary’s future energy policy and its relationship with both the U.S. and the European Union. As the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution, the implications of this meeting extend beyond bilateral relations, affecting the broader geopolitical landscape.

As we await developments from today’s meeting, the stakes are high for Hungary, Europe, and the international response to the ongoing crisis with Russia. Will Orban’s close ties with Trump yield the exemption he seeks, or will pressure from the West force a reevaluation of Hungary’s energy strategy? The world is watching closely.