EU Experts Arrive in Ukraine to Assess Damage to the Druzhba Oil Pipeline.

European Union Inspection Team Visits Ukraine

According to Novyny.live: A delegation of European Union specialists has arrived in Ukraine to evaluate the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key route that previously supplied Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia. This mission follows an EU proposal to provide technical assistance and funding for the pipeline's restoration, particularly after recent attacks inflicted significant damage on the infrastructure.

The Druzhba pipeline suffered severe damage on March 4, when a Russian drone struck one of its largest storage tanks. At the time of the attack, the tank held approximately 25,000 cubic meters of oil, highlighting the potential risks to regional energy supplies. In response to the situation, Hungarian experts had already arrived in Ukraine on March 11 to inspect the pipeline.

EU Proposal for Infrastructure Restoration

Recognizing the threat to energy security, the European Union proposed sending a verification mission to the pipeline last week. Ukraine responded positively to this offer, accepting the technical support and funding for the pipeline's rehabilitation.

Serhiy Koretsky, a representative of Naftogaz, stated: 'Naftogaz values the EU's proposal for financial and technical assistance to restore the infrastructure assets of the pumping station in Brody.'

This step is crucial for restoring the Druzhba pipeline's operations and ensuring stable oil supplies to neighboring countries. The EU experts will assess the extent of the damage and determine the next steps for rebuilding this vital infrastructure.

The EU experts' visit underscores the importance of international support in rehabilitating Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged by military actions. Restoring the Druzhba pipeline will not only help stabilize oil deliveries across the region but also strengthen energy security for Ukraine and its neighbors—a critical objective amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. Ukraine and the EU continue to collaborate on addressing energy issues arising from the conflict.