Hungarian officials have arrived in Ukraine to assess the damages to the Druzba oil pipeline, which has not been operational since late January due to damage caused by Russian military actions. The suspension of the pipeline has created political tensions between Kyiv, Hungary, and Slovakia, with both countries accusing Ukraine of deliberately delaying the restart of oil supplies. The energy minister of Hungary, Gábor Cepek, emphasized that the delegation's mission includes advocating for Hungary's interests in talks about the pipeline's future operations.

The delegation aims to gather information on the current state of the Druzba pipeline and facilitate conditions for its restart. Cepek noted that the mission is critical in ensuring that Hungary's demands are addressed at the negotiation table, reflecting the significant geopolitical stakes involved in energy supplies amidst ongoing regional conflicts. The presence of Slovak representatives in the delegation underscores the shared interests of these countries in resolving the energy supply issues stemming from the conflict.

However, Ukraine has stated that it is aware of the Hungarian group's entry but has not planned official discussions with the delegation, labeling the visit a private trip. This indicates a complex and sensitive situation, as Ukraine grapples with its energy policies while also navigating its relationships with neighboring countries, especially in a time of crisis and conflict. The outcome of this mission may further influence the dynamics of energy security in the region, particularly regarding relations between Ukraine and Hungary, as well as Slovakia.