A Hungarian delegation, led by State Secretary Gábor Csepregi, has arrived in Kyiv to evaluate the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline and to discuss the resumption of oil transit to Hungary. This visit aims to address the recent disruptions caused by damage to the pipeline.
According to Zoltán Kovács, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Relations, the delegation is focused on advocating for Hungary’s interests during discussions and ensuring the swift restoration of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. Csepregi emphasized that energy security is a top priority for the Hungarian government, linking it to access to diverse supply sources.
Kovács noted that the delegation plans to consult with Ukrainian energy authorities, ambassadors, and representatives from the European Commission to find solutions that will facilitate the rapid resumption of pipeline operations and ensure stable supplies for Hungary.
Georgiy Tikhiy, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that a group of Hungarian citizens entered Ukraine this morning under standard regulations applicable to all Schengen zone nationals, utilizing visa-free travel. He clarified that this group does not hold any official status or scheduled meetings in Ukraine, thus it is inaccurate to refer to them as a “delegation.”
“Individuals traveling for tourism can enter Ukraine from Schengen countries in this manner. Those in Ukraine must respect the general visitation rules, including for tourism purposes,” Tikhiy explained.
Meanwhile, Csepregi stated that the investigative committee has already held discussions in Bratislava with stakeholders in the Slovak energy market and the Slovak government, agreeing that Slovakia will join the Hungarian delegation. The committee has also sent a letter to Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister responsible for energy issues.
On January 27, a Russian attack in Brody, Lviv region, damaged critical infrastructure related to the Druzhba pipeline, leading to a halt in oil supplies. Naftogaz reported that the Russian military targeted this facility, resulting in a fire and a suspension of technological processes.
Following the attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga announced that oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline had ceased since January 27. He indicated that Budapest is preparing to lodge complaints regarding transit issues.
“Hungary has not expressed any protest to Russia regarding this matter. They have not even mentioned the word ‘Russia.’ This reflects a double standard,” Sibiga remarked.
Both the Hungarian and Slovak governments have announced a suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine until Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed Budapest about the attack and subsequent damages to the pipeline, asserting that accusations of delays in supplies from Ukraine are illogical.
The European Commission has expressed a desire for Ukraine to restore operations on the Druzhba pipeline, but has noted that the decision must be made by Ukraine due to the risk of further Russian attacks.
On February 21, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that Slovakia would halt electricity supplies to Ukraine on February 23 if oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was not reinstated. A similar statement was made by the Hungarian government.
In response, Ukraine proposed to the European Union the use of the Odessa-Brody pipeline as an alternative for oil supplies to the EU, given the damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
On February 23, Fico confirmed that Slovakia had stopped electricity supplies to Ukraine due to the cessation of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. However, Ukrenergo stated that any potential interruption of emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia would not affect the situation in Ukraine’s unified energy system, as no official documents regarding the termination of the agreement had been received from the Slovak side.
On February 27, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary and Slovakia would establish a joint investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine.
A Hungarian delegation is in Kyiv to assess the Druzhba pipeline's condition and discuss resuming oil transit to Hungary following recent disruptions. The visit highlights ongoing energy security concerns amid geopolitical tensions.