A small delegation of qualified European engineers has arrived in Kyiv to evaluate the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been damaged by Russian strikes. The visit, reported on March 17, aims to facilitate a thorough inspection scheduled for March 18.
The European Union’s representation in Ukraine is coordinating logistics for the assessment. EU officials indicated that the experts inspecting the pipeline would not include representatives from Hungary or Slovakia to prevent any bias in the evaluation process.
Earlier on March 17, EU diplomats informed that the release of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, currently blocked by Hungary, is contingent upon the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline’s operations or at least allowing European experts to assess its condition.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the EU has prohibited the purchase of Russian oil. However, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria received extensions, as these landlocked nations rely on the Druzhba pipeline for oil transport. Austria has managed to diversify its supply sources.
The Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Ukraine, is crucial for transporting Russian oil to Europe, particularly to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian officials have stated that the pipeline suffered damage from Russian shelling in late January, a claim disputed by officials from Hungary and Slovakia. Hungary has asserted that recently published satellite data shows no technical or operational reasons preventing the immediate resumption of the pipeline’s normal operations.
On March 11, Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Gábor Csepek, announced that a delegation from Hungary was heading to Ukraine to negotiate the pipeline’s restoration and assess its condition. He emphasized that the mission aims to firmly represent Hungary’s interests during discussions and to reopen the Druzhba pipeline.
In contrast, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the entry of a group of Hungarian citizens into Ukraine but clarified that this group does not hold official status or have scheduled official meetings, making it inaccurate to refer to them as a delegation.
A European engineering team has arrived in Kyiv to inspect the damaged Druzhba pipeline, crucial for transporting Russian oil to Europe. The evaluation is part of broader negotiations regarding a blocked EU loan for Ukraine, highlighting the geopolitical complexities surrounding energy supplies in the region.
Source: Radio Free Europe