Hungary is asking the U.S. to exempt it from potential penalties over continued Russian oil purchases, as Budapest seeks to maintain energy ties with Moscow during a transition away from Russian dependence.

The request comes after Congress gave Trump new powers to impose tariffs on buyers of Russian petroleum products.

Prime Minister Magyar’s government has pledged to reduce reliance on Russian energy and diversify imports, but Hungary remains heavily dependent on Moscow.

“We’ve asked for support during this transitional period for an exemption from American penalties targeting Russian energy purchases,” said Marton Hajdu, chairman of parliament’s foreign policy committee, after meetings with U.S. lawmakers.

Source: Bloomberg