Hungary lobbying Washington for exemption from US Russia energy sanctions bill

Hungary is actively lobbying Washington for an exemption from the bipartisan US Senate bill that would impose severe secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. The bill, championed by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, is often referred to as the "hell" sanctions bill for its sweeping scope.

Hungarian officials argue that the country is heavily dependent on Russian gas and oil and that abrupt cutoffs would cause serious economic damage. Budapest has been one of the most vocal opponents of EU energy sanctions against Russia.

Hungary has reportedly requested direct diplomatic talks with US counterparts to carve out exemptions. The bill has not yet passed but has gained significant bipartisan support in the Senate.