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Kiev's decision to delay EU mission in Druzhba causes tensions between member states and affects a €90 billion loan
Ukraine's decision to block a European Union mission to inspect the Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Hungary and Slovakia with Russian oil, has created division and discontent in European capitals and in Brussels.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Euractiv, Kiev's action has been described as "unwise", "enigmatic" and "ambiguous". An EU diplomat stated that "there is no clear understanding of Ukraine's strategy in this case".
The EU inspection team, made up of national experts and coordinated by the European Commission, has been in Ukraine for weeks, awaiting authorization to visit the site of the latest attack on the strategic pipeline. So far, this authorization has not been granted.
In response, Hungary has blocked a €90 billion loan that EU leaders had agreed to in December. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán summed up his stance with the message: “No oil, no money.”
At the March 19 summit, EU leaders criticized Orbán for backing away from previous agreements. However, diplomats say patience with Ukraine is also running out.
“If Druzhba is unblocked, all parties benefit,” another EU diplomat told Euractiv, calling the situation an “enigma.” He noted that the EU is aiming to adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia, Ukraine needs the loan, while Hungary and Slovakia are heavily dependent on oil supplies and are operating with reserves or double prices.
According to him, "the only way out of this impasse is to verify the situation on the ground."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously expressed willingness to accept the EU mission, but has also shown reluctance to repair the pipeline. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, he welcomed technical and financial support for repairs.
Several other diplomats expressed sympathy for Ukraine's stance. "Humanly speaking, it is understandable why a country at war would be reluctant to repair infrastructure that finances the adversary's military machine," said one EU diplomat, calling the situation "absurd."
Another diplomat stressed that the EU is gradually moving away from dependence on Russian oil and gas, adding that the Druzhba issue should be seen in this broader context.
Ukraine's diplomatic mission to the EU declined to comment.
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are in Kiev today to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Bucha massacre, where Russian forces killed Ukrainian civilians at the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó is expected to miss the meeting, although a Hungarian delegation will attend on Tuesday.
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