politics
April 1, 2026
EU dissatisfied with Kiev’s obstruction of Druzhba pipeline inspection
The bloc’s diplomats say they do not understand Ukraine’s “game” in delaying the inspection of the oil pipeline, Euractiv has reported
TL;DR
- Ukraine is reportedly preventing EU experts from inspecting the Druzhba oil pipeline.
- The pipeline transports Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukrainian territory.
- Kiev claims the pipeline was damaged by Russian strikes, while Moscow and Budapest deny this, suggesting political motives.
- An EU-funded inspection team has been in Ukraine for weeks but is awaiting Kiev's approval to proceed.
- The delay has caused frustration among EU diplomats, who describe Ukraine's actions as 'unclear' and 'not smart'.
- Resolving the pipeline issue could unblock a €90 billion EU assistance package for Ukraine.
- Bratislava has threatened to veto Russian sanctions and hinder EU accession talks for Kiev if the pipeline issue is not resolved.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky has opposed resuming Russian oil shipments and accused Brussels of 'blackmail' over the inspection.
- Moscow has accused Kiev of 'energy blackmail' against Hungary and Slovakia, warning of threats to the bloc's energy security.
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