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Ukraine Blocks Pipeline Inspection, Sparking EU Tensions

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, said European Commission experts were blocked from inspecting the Druzhba pipeline for safety reasons.
The Druzhba pipeline, transporting Russian oil to Europe, went offline after a January strike, prompting Hungary and Slovakia to dispute Ukraine's explanation and threaten to block EU sanctions.
Kachka said the delay was due to safety procedures.
The Netherlands urged Ukraine to grant access to the damaged section promptly.

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Story summary

Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, said European Commission experts were blocked from inspecting the Druzhba pipeline for safety reasons.
The Druzhba pipeline, transporting Russian oil to Europe, went offline after a January strike, prompting Hungary and Slovakia to dispute Ukraine's explanation and threaten to block EU sanctions.
Kachka said the delay was due to safety procedures.
The Netherlands urged Ukraine to grant access to the damaged section promptly.