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Core Viewpoint - Hungary has secured a crucial agreement with Turkey to ensure the transit of Russian natural gas, which challenges the EU's energy sanctions against Russia and provides Hungary with a lifeline in its energy crisis [1][4]. Group 1: Hungary's Energy Dependency - Hungary relies heavily on Russian energy, with 74% of its natural gas and 86% of its oil coming from Russia. This year alone, 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas have been transported from Turkey to Hungary, accounting for nearly 40% of its total gas demand [3]. - The EU is planning to implement new sanctions against Russian energy, including a gradual ban on pipeline imports of Russian gas starting in September 2027 and a ban on Russian crude oil by the end of the year, which poses a significant threat to Hungary's energy structure [3]. Group 2: Political Maneuvering - The agreement with Turkey is seen as a key step in Hungary's strategy to counter EU sanctions. Turkey's neutral position allows it to facilitate Russian gas transport while avoiding some sanctions risks [4]. - Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has expressed strong opposition to the EU's sanctions, claiming they are illegal and violate EU values. He has warned that if the sanctions are enforced, energy costs for Hungarian households could triple [3][4]. Group 3: International Relations and Implications - Orbán's recent agreement with the U.S. provides Hungary with a "no-penalty" assurance regarding its energy imports from Russia, granting Hungary a unique position within the Western sanctions framework [2][6]. - The collaboration with Turkey effectively adds a "double insurance" to Russian gas transport, allowing Hungary to reduce its dependence on the EU's energy network [6]. - The situation highlights the EU's dilemma, as it has not provided alternative solutions for energy-dependent member states like Hungary, potentially leading to a breakdown of the EU's sanctions system if other countries follow Hungary's lead [6].