On March 19, a team of European Union experts arrived in Ukraine to evaluate the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which sustained damage from recent Russian shelling.
The assessment follows the pipeline’s closure in January, which led to tensions with Hungary, a country that has been blocking a loan to Ukraine from the EU. The visit aims to provide clarity on the pipeline’s status ahead of a meeting among European leaders regarding the financial support for Ukraine.
Reports surfaced on March 17 indicating that independent experts from various European nations would inspect the damaged section of the Druzhba pipeline on March 18. Notably, representatives from Hungary and Slovakia will not be part of this mission, with logistics coordinated by the EU delegation in Ukraine.
Prior to the experts’ arrival, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated it had no information regarding the EU’s mission to the pipeline. However, the European Commission had previously reached out to Ukraine for updates on the expected timeline for repairs to the pipeline, which was impacted by Russian attacks.
In related developments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on March 17 that Ukraine accepted the EU’s proposal for both financial and technical assistance to restore the Druzhba pipeline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that repairs on an alternative route would be completed soon, with the Brody pumping station expected to resume operations in about six weeks.
A team of EU experts has arrived in Ukraine to assess the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged by Russian attacks. This visit is crucial for discussions on financial support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Hungary over a blocked EU loan.