Ukraine is barring EU experts from accessing the Druzhba pipeline
As of March 23, Ukraine had not granted a group of European experts permission to inspect the site of the damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline caused by Russian shelling.
According to Suspilne sources, the experts have been in Kyiv since March 18 and are ready to head to the site at any moment, but have not yet been granted access.
Sources note that the situation is unlikely to change in the near future. Previously, the inspection could have been significant ahead of the European Council meeting, where the issue of unblocking financial aid to Ukraine was discussed; however, Hungary’s position remains unchanged.
It was expected that the experts’ findings could influence Budapest’s position, particularly that of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The European Commission has not commented on the situation. Energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated that there is currently no new information regarding the mission, and that previously announced details remain valid.
Additionally, Ukraine has accepted EU assistance to repair the Druzhba pipeline.
On Wednesday, March 18, European experts will visit the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine. They are to assess the situation at the facility ahead of an important meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv. Representatives from Hungary and Slovakia will not be part of the mission.
