Hungarian delegation covertly travels to Ukraine over Druzhba pipeline: Details

The delegation, led by Hungary’s Parliamentary State Secretary for Energy Gábor Chapek, travelled to Kyiv to discuss the Druzhba oil pipeline amid Budapest’s claims that the halt in oil supplies had political motives.

Chapek confirmed the visit in a video recorded at the Záhony border crossing on the Hungary–Ukraine border, according to Telex.

Planned talks by the Hungarian side

According to Chapek, the delegation intends to meet not only with Ukrainian energy sector representatives but also with diplomats and a representative from the European Commission.

On March 4, the Hungarian government decided to set up a special investigative commission to assess the condition of the Druzhba pipeline and the reasons behind the oil supply stoppage.

The commission includes Chapek, an oil industry expert, a government international relations official, and an energy market analyst.

Before travelling to Ukraine, commission members held consultations in Bratislava with Slovak energy sector representatives. Slovakia agreed to join Hungary’s initiative following these talks.

Ukraine’s position on the visit

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Hungarian representatives do not have official delegation status.

Spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi noted that no official meetings were scheduled for them.

He added that the Hungarian representatives entered Ukraine under standard rules for citizens of Schengen countries, using the visa-free regime.

As a result, talks on the Druzhba pipeline may take place at an informal level, while the positions of both sides remain a matter of political discussion.