Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that Budapest is trying to find ways to “circumvent” the sanctions imposed by the United States on Russian oil companies, stating that he has already discussed the subject with the national company MOL.
Viktor Orban defies the sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies PHOTO: Inquam photos/ Tudor Pană
In an interview with public radio station Kossuth on Friday, Viktor Orban said that Hungary is looking for solutions to avoid the effects of US restrictions on Russian companies in the oil sector. “We have already discussed this topic with MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas company“, said the prime minister from Budapest, according to Agerpres.
The US announced new sanctions on Wednesday targeting Russia's two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine. The measures are the first anti-Russia sanctions adopted by the current US administration since Donald Trump's return to power.
International publications note that the sanctioning of Rosneft and Lukoil marks a significant change in Trump's approach to the war led by Vladimir Putin's regime in Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained the need for these sanctions: “These measures are necessary because of Putin's refusal to end this senseless war” and because Rosneft and Lukoil contribute to the financing of “war machine” of Russia.
