EU experts are still in Kyiv, waiting to be granted access to the Druzhba pipeline

A European Union expert group is in Kyiv awaiting permission from Ukrainian authorities to visit the site of the damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline. 

According to “European Truth,” citing an informed source in Brussels, the purpose of the visit is to conduct a technical assessment of the scope and cost of the necessary repair work. So far, the Ukrainian government has not granted foreign experts access to the site, which is delaying the start of infrastructure restoration.

The situation regarding access remains uncertain, despite the delegation’s presence in the Ukrainian capital. European officials emphasize the importance of the fact-finding visit for developing an accurate cost estimate and a reconstruction plan for the pipeline. The Druzhba oil pipeline is a critically important element of the region’s energy security, so delays in assessing the damage affect the timeline for restoring a stable supply of energy resources. The Ukrainian side has not yet provided official explanations regarding the reasons for the delay in granting permission.

Earlier, Ukraine accepted EU assistance for the repair of the Druzhba pipeline.

On Wednesday, March 18, European experts were scheduled to visit the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine and assess the situation at the site ahead of an important meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv. However, representatives from Hungary and Slovakia are not part of the mission.