Briefing: Hungary sends fact-finding mission over Druzhba pipeline as Kyiv refuses to recognise delegation

The Hungarian government has dispatched a delegation to Ukraine to evaluate the condition of the Druzhba pipeline, which sustained damage from a Russian drone strike in January 2026.

This mission aims to gather technical insights into the pipeline's operational status and potential recovery pathways. However, Ukraine has refused to recognize the delegation, labeling its members as 'tourists'.

The Druzhba pipeline is a critical infrastructure component for oil transport in the region, and any assessment of its damage could have significant implications for energy supply chains.