The European Commission has reached out to Ukraine with an initiative to organize a special mission to inspect the condition of the Druzhba pipeline. This move is prompted by tensions between Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia due to accusations of blocking the supply of Russian oil.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the Inspection and Tensions Between Countries
The proposal for the inspection comes in the wake of statements from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. He claims that Kyiv has allegedly blocked the transit of Russian oil to Hungary, although the technical condition of the pipeline allows for supplies to be made. As a result, Budapest has blocked the provision of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. A similar complaint was voiced by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
European Commission Awaits Ukraine’s Response
European Commission spokesperson for energy Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated that active consultations are currently ongoing with Ukraine, as well as with EU countries concerned about the situation—primarily Hungary and Slovakia.
“We are having intensive discussions and are in contact with Ukraine on this matter, as we have been for several weeks, as well as with the member states that are most concerned (namely Hungary and Slovakia). And I can report that we have proposed a mission to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline. I do not have information about the Hungarian delegation,” she said.
According to Itkonen, the European Commission is currently awaiting an official response from the Ukrainian side regarding the mission. She emphasized that contact with the Ukrainian authorities and other EU countries is maintained continuously, but there are no additional details at this time.