The European Commission has formally requested permission from Ukraine to send a mission to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline. This announcement was made by Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, who indicated that the EU is awaiting a response from Ukrainian authorities.
Itkonen clarified that the EU has proposed this mission and is currently in communication with Ukrainian officials. However, she noted that she does not have any information regarding a Hungarian delegation that recently arrived in Ukraine.
“I can inform you that we have proposed a mission to inspect the pipeline in Ukraine,” Itkonen stated.
Regarding the Hungarian delegation, Itkonen suggested that inquiries should be directed to Hungarian counterparts for further details. “We are still in contact with the Ukrainians and our member states, but I do not have any specifics at this time,” she added.
On March 11, a group of Hungarian citizens entered Ukraine, but according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they do not hold any official status or have scheduled meetings. Notably, Slovakia did not join the Hungarian delegation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed uncertainty about the purpose of the Hungarian delegation’s visit, prompting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to accuse Zelensky of dishonesty. Additionally, a note from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has been obtained by Europravda, indicates that the Hungarian side did not coordinate its visit to the Druzhba pipeline with Ukraine and received formal objections from Kyiv regarding the proposed format.
The European Commission has requested permission from Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline, while a Hungarian delegation's visit raises questions about its purpose and coordination with Ukrainian authorities. Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary are evident as both nations navigate this diplomatic situation.