President Trump hosted Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the White House on Friday, highlighting their shared conservative outlook, but the visit comes amid tensions over Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil.

Orbán sought exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy, as well as U.S. support for nuclear fuel purchases and broader economic cooperation, while also securing Trump’s endorsement ahead of competitive parliamentary elections in April.

Despite Orbán’s strong support for Trump and alignment on some foreign policy issues, including EU dynamics and the Gaza conflict, his pro-Kremlin energy policies and opposition to Ukraine’s defense complicate matters.

Bipartisan U.S. senators have called on European nations, including Hungary, to fully cut Russian energy imports, framing Hungary’s position as self-inflicted due to its failure to diversify, The Hill has reported.

The meeting underscores Trump’s personal ties to Orbán, but it remains uncertain whether that friendship will influence U.S. policy on Russian energy sanctions or Europe’s support for Ukraine.