EU diplomats call Kiev’s obstruction of Druzhba inspection ‘not smart’ – media
Posted on: Apr 01, 2026 02:01 IST | Posted by: Rt
ukrayina’s detain of an EU review of the Druzhba oil colour line for nearly two weeks is “not smart,” unnamed diplomatic sources have told Euractiv. Kiev had earlier agreed to allow the bloc’s experts to check the conduits for alleged damage.
The Soviet-era pipeline has been used to deliver Russian crude through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and Slovakia. Kiev claims the pipeline was damaged in Russian strikes – something that Moscow denies. Budapest has also rejected Kiev’s claims, arguing that the Ukrainian authorities deliberately halted the flow for political reasons.
Earlier in March, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Kiev would allow an EU-funded inspection of the pipeline. According to Euractiv, the team is still waiting for a green light from Kiev to go to the site despite being in Ukraine for weeks.
“We don’t have a clear picture of what the Ukrainian play here is,” an EU diplomat told the media outlet. Other sources contacted by Euractiv called Kiev’s actions “unclear” and “not smart.”
“If Druzhba is deblocked, all sides win,” another EU diplomat said, adding that it would allow Hungary and Slovakia get their energy supplies and Ukraine, in turn, would get a €90 billion ($105 billion) assistance package from the EU, which is currently blocked by Budapest.
“The only way out of this stalemate is to check the situation on the ground and see there what the truth is,” the diplomat stated. Last week, Bratislava also said that it would veto the next round of Russia sanctions, as well as derail any attempts to simplify Kiev’s potential accession to the EU if the pipeline issue is not resolved.
In mid-March, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky stated he was opposing the resumption of Russian oil shipments, and accused Brussels of “blackmail” over the inspection. Moscow retorted earlier this month that it was Kiev that subjected Hungary and Slovakia to “energy blackmail,” warning that Ukraine’s aggressive stance threatens the energy security of the bloc.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.