Financial Times: EU urges Ukraine to allow access to the pipeline that transports Russian oil

Ukraine is facing pressure from Hungary and Slovakia to allow inspection of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil, accusing Kiev of exaggerating the damage caused by Russian attacks.

Although Ukraine claims it needs time for repairs and has presented evidence of the destruction, Hungary has delayed the approval of an EU loan for Ukraine until the pipeline is reopened. Additionally, EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have requested access to the pipeline to assess the damage, but the requests have been denied.

Tensions have risen amid increasing energy prices and military actions in other regions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has used the dispute to strengthen his political position, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Hungary of blocking necessary aid.

The EU ambassador to Ukraine requested an inspection, but it was denied for security reasons.

Orbán has claimed that there is evidence that the pipeline is not inoperable, while Ukrainian officials insist on the severity of the damages.