Sputnik
A Ukrainian sabotage group has blown up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov region. There are casualties among the civilian population, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
"On June 5, at about 21:00 Moscow time [18:00 GMT], a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group blew up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline near the settlement Masyutovka in Kharkov Region," the ministry said.
The explosion of the pipeline was designated as a terrorist attack, there are victims among the civilian population, they have "received the necessary medical assistance," according to the MoD.
Footage appeared online appearing to document the consequences of the sabotage attack, showing toxic clouds of ammonia vapor pouring into the local environment.
Ammonia is not recognized as a traditional chemical weapons agent, but exposure to very high levels of the chemical can damage the lungs and cause death. Ammonia is also highly toxic to fish, wildlife, and plant life.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said repair work on the pipeline could take up to three months, and only if Russia is able to ensure access to the attack site.
The sabotage attack against the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline is the second major act of environmental terrorism which Moscow has accused Kiev of carrying out this week, and the second sabotage attack on a major pipeline since September.
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