EU diplomats vent frustration as Kyiv stalls Druzhba pipeline inspection

According to a report by Euractiv, delays by Ukrainian authorities in granting access to an European Union mission tasked with inspecting the Druzhba pipeline—a critical artery transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia—have sparked significant friction and internal divisions within Brussels and other European capitals.

Information indicates that the EU inspection team, composed of national experts and coordinated by the European Commission, has been stationed in Ukraine for several weeks. The delegation continues to await official authorization from Kyiv to visit the specific site of the most recent reported attack on the energy infrastructure.

Diplomats label Ukrainian strategy “incomprehensible”

Commenting on the situation, one EU diplomat stated, “We lack a clear understanding of what Ukraine’s strategy is here.” Other diplomatic sources characterized Kyiv’s decision-making process as “irrational” under the current circumstances.

The Slovak Ministry of Economy previously disclosed on Feb. 13 that damage to the Druzhba pipeline had resulted in a complete suspension of oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia. Parallel to this, the Hungarian energy conglomerate MOL emphasized that Russian crude oil supplies have failed to reach Hungary since Jan. 27.

Budapest and Kyiv exchange accusations

The administration in Budapest has held Ukraine directly responsible for the disruption, citing the alleged attack. Conversely, Kyiv has attributed the pumping failures to structural damage and ongoing technical repairs. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the Druzhba pipeline could be fully repaired and Russian oil transit resumed within six weeks, provided that EU member states do not obstruct the allocation of scheduled credit facilities.

Against the backdrop of these developments, Hungary and Slovakia have moved to block a €90 billion loan package that EU leaders had reached a consensus on in December. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has maintained a firm stance, declaring, “No oil, no money,” and asserting that his veto will remain in place until Ukraine restores the pipeline’s operations.

Brussels seeks a diplomatic exit

While EU leaders have criticized Orban for reneging on prior agreements, sources speaking to Euractiv suggest that the only viable path out of the current deadlock is an on-site verification of the pipeline’s status.

“If the Druzhba line is reopened, all parties stand to gain,” observed one EU diplomat, describing Kyiv’s delay as an “enigma.” Another diplomat noted that while the EU’s broader transition away from Russian gas and oil continues and alternatives remain feasible, the immediate resolution of this crisis is paramount.

Zelenskyy had previously underscored that, for the Kyiv administration, there is no viable alternative to the financial support provided by the EU loan package.