A group of European engineers, qualified to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged due to Russian attacks, has arrived in Kyiv. It is expected that on March 18, the experts will conduct an inspection of the site to determine the extent of the damage and the possibility of resuming oil transportation.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU Coordinates Pipeline Inspection
The European representation in Ukraine is organizing logistical support for the inspection mission. It has been reported that the group does not include specialists from Hungary or Slovakia. This decision was made to avoid bias during the assessment of the pipeline’s condition, as these countries are directly interested parties in the operation of Druzhba.
“Earlier, EU diplomats informed Radio Liberty that the unblocking of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, which Hungary is blocking, would depend on the restoration of the Druzhba’s operation, or at least on allowing European experts to assess the condition of the pipeline.”
Context of the Situation Surrounding the Pipeline
Following the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the European Union imposed a ban on the import of Russian oil. However, exceptions were made for Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria due to the lack of sea access for these countries. Austria has managed to diversify its energy supply, while Hungary and Slovakia remain dependent on the Druzhba pipeline, which transits through Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russian shelling damaged the pipeline in January 2026. However, representatives from Hungary and Slovakia disagree with this assertion. The Hungarian side, in particular, refers to satellite images that, in their opinion, do not confirm the existence of technical obstacles to the operation of Druzhba.
On March 11, Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Energy Gábor Csepek stated that a Hungarian delegation had arrived in Ukraine for negotiations regarding the restoration of the pipeline’s operation and to check its condition. According to him, the main goal of the mission is to protect Hungary’s interests and return Druzhba to operation.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Hungarians who arrived in the country do not have official delegation status, and their visit does not involve official meetings.