A Hungarian delegation has arrived in Ukraine, reportedly to discuss the status of the Druzhba oil pipeline. However, the specific objectives of their visit remain unclear, with Ukrainian officials describing it as a private trip.
In response to inquiries about the delegation’s presence in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he lacks official information regarding their purpose. “What is this delegation doing here? I do not know. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed me that people have arrived. They characterized it as a private visit,” he remarked.
President Zelensky confirmed that European Union leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, is interested in the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline’s operations. Ukraine is expected to provide the EU with specific technical timelines for this process.
According to Zelensky, Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state oil and gas company, is currently conducting assessments. Initial estimates suggest that restoring the technical capacity to pump oil could take between one and two months.
“However, we must understand that this only refers to the restoration of the ability to supply oil through the pipeline. We are not discussing the restoration of storage facilities, especially those damaged by missiles, where the largest tank in Central Europe is located,” the president emphasized.
It is noteworthy that on March 11, Gábor Chepek, the Hungarian Secretary of State for Energy, announced his intention to travel to Kyiv. Alongside him, the delegation includes oil industry specialists, a state leader with experience in international relations, and an energy market analyst.
Chepek stated that the purpose of the Hungarian delegation’s visit is to engage in talks regarding the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline and to assess its condition. However, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Hungarian citizens visiting Ukraine do not hold official delegation status and do not have scheduled formal meetings.
A Hungarian delegation has arrived in Ukraine to discuss the Druzhba oil pipeline, though their official status and meeting plans remain unclear. President Zelensky confirmed interest from EU leaders in restoring the pipeline's operations, with technical assessments underway.