Ukraine’s refusal to grant permission for a European Union mission to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, which supplied Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has sparked sharp disputes among EU countries and in Brussels. Diplomatic sources describe Kyiv’s decision as “incomprehensible” and disappointing to its partners.
This is reported by Finway
EU Awaits Access for Inspectors
The EU inspection team has been in Ukraine for several weeks, awaiting permission to examine the section of the pipeline that was damaged in the recent attack. However, the Ukrainian side has yet to provide the necessary approval. According to one European diplomat, if the blockage of Druzhba is resolved, all parties in the conflict will benefit.
“The EU wants to adopt another package of sanctions and put pressure on Russia, Ukraine needs a loan, and Hungary and Slovakia are critically dependent on oil supplies and are currently using reserves or establishing dual pricing. The only way out of this deadlock is to check the situation on the ground and find out what is really happening,” the diplomat added.
Ukraine’s Position and the Search for Alternatives
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously emphasized that he has no intention of allowing repairs to the Druzhba pipeline. Some European diplomats have supported this position, considering that through this route, the inflow of Russian oil could finance Russia’s military machine. Diplomats note that from a humanitarian perspective, it is understandable why Ukraine does not seek to restore infrastructure that benefits the aggressor.
At the same time, other representatives of European states are convinced that it is possible to find alternative sources of oil. They remind that the EU is gradually phasing out Russian energy supplies, so the further operation of Druzhba should be considered in this context.
Several diplomats also emphasized that the situation is absurd, given that Ukraine is in a state of war and must make decisions based on its own security and national interests.