The European Union is pushing Kyiv to let inspectors into Ukraine to examine damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key route supplying Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia. The push comes as energy markets remain in flux following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global oil flows.
According to the Financial Times, several pro-Ukraine EU governments, along with the European Commission, want independent access to verify whether Ukraine is working to restore shipments through Druzhba.
Two officials said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa directly asked the Zelensky administration to permit a visit to assess the damage. Ukraine has declined the request.
Hungary and Slovakia have accused Kyiv of overstating the extent of damage from a reported Russian attack on the 4,000-kilometre pipeline. Officials in Budapest and Bratislava claim the shutdown was deliberate. Ukrainian authorities reject that allegation and say state energy company Naftogaz has presented evidence to European partners showing extensive destruction that will take time to repair.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has delayed approval of a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine, linking the issue to the reopening of the pipeline. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said a joint “fact-finding mission” proposed by Hungary and Slovakia was also denied.
The Druzhba pipeline, built in the 1960s by the Soviet Union, remains one of the longest oil pipelines in the world. One branch runs through Belarus toward Poland and Germany, while another passes through Ukraine to supply Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Oil delivered through the line is refined into petrol and diesel across Central Europe.
With tensions rising over both energy and aid, EU officials are now seeking independent verification of the pipeline’s condition. The standoff between Kyiv and two member states adds another complication to ongoing negotiations over financial and military support for Ukraine, and it leaves energy security in the region uncertain.
According to the Financial Times, several pro-Ukraine EU governments, along with the European Commission, want independent access to verify whether Ukraine is working to restore shipments through Druzhba.
Two officials said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa directly asked the Zelensky administration to permit a visit to assess the damage. Ukraine has declined the request.
Hungary and Slovakia have accused Kyiv of overstating the extent of damage from a reported Russian attack on the 4,000-kilometre pipeline. Officials in Budapest and Bratislava claim the shutdown was deliberate. Ukrainian authorities reject that allegation and say state energy company Naftogaz has presented evidence to European partners showing extensive destruction that will take time to repair.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has delayed approval of a €90 billion EU aid package for Ukraine, linking the issue to the reopening of the pipeline. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said a joint “fact-finding mission” proposed by Hungary and Slovakia was also denied.
The Druzhba pipeline, built in the 1960s by the Soviet Union, remains one of the longest oil pipelines in the world. One branch runs through Belarus toward Poland and Germany, while another passes through Ukraine to supply Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Oil delivered through the line is refined into petrol and diesel across Central Europe.
With tensions rising over both energy and aid, EU officials are now seeking independent verification of the pipeline’s condition. The standoff between Kyiv and two member states adds another complication to ongoing negotiations over financial and military support for Ukraine, and it leaves energy security in the region uncertain.
