On March 18, a group of independent European engineers is set to visit the Druzhba oil pipeline, although representatives from Hungary and Slovakia will not be part of this delegation. The logistics for this visit are being coordinated by the European Union’s office in Ukraine.
According to sources, a small team of engineers is already in Kyiv, preparing for the inspection scheduled for the following day. A European Commission official indicated that the visit is timed to precede a meeting of European leaders on March 19, where discussions will focus on unblocking a financial aid package for Ukraine.
Notably, the absence of Slovak and Hungarian representatives is aimed at ensuring the independence of the assessment, as European nations seek to involve impartial experts in the process.
In a statement to journalists, presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn noted that the Office of the President of Ukraine is hearing about this mission for the first time.
Prior to this, on March 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Ukraine had accepted the EU’s offer of financial and technical support for the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that repairs on a bypass line are nearing completion, with the Brody pumping station expected to be operational again in about six weeks. He also mentioned that full restoration of oil flows is anticipated, contingent upon the absence of further Russian attacks.
It is important to note that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated he will block the EU’s proposed €90 billion financial assistance to Ukraine until Kyiv resumes the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungarian refineries.
A delegation of European engineers will inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline, excluding representatives from Hungary and Slovakia, as discussions on financial support for Ukraine unfold. The inspection aims to ensure an independent assessment amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.