European Union Proposes Inspection Mission for Ukraine's Druzhba Pipeline

The European Union has proposed an inspection mission for the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine, awaiting Ukraine's response. The pipeline's flow to Hungary and Slovakia has been halted since January due to damage. Ukraine blames a Russian strike, while Hungary and Slovakia attribute the outage to Ukraine.

The European Union has extended an offer to Ukraine to conduct an inspection of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has been out of operation since January. This proposal was confirmed by an EU Commission spokesperson during a press briefing on Thursday.

The pipeline, essential for oil transportation to Hungary and Slovakia, was reportedly damaged after a strike. Ukraine attributes the damage to Russian military action targeting pipeline equipment in western Ukraine.

In contrast, officials from Slovakia and Hungary have blamed Ukraine for the extended disruption, adding tension to the already complex geopolitical landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)