Shelling damages pipeline in eastern Ukraine

Ukraine

MARIUPOL, June 12, 2015 – Shelling in east Ukraine has damaged a gas pipeline, with three towns left without gas supplies for up to two days, reported gas transport monopoly Ukrtransgas today.

“Gas supplies to Mariupol, Berdyansk and Volnovakha will be suspended for the duration of the repair work. This emergency situation will not affect gas transit to Europe,” Ukrtransgaz said in a statement.

Two of Ukraine’s largest steel plants, which belong to steelmaker Metinvest, are in the port of city of Mariupol.

Heavy weapons are supposed to have been removed from frontline fighting under the terms of a ceasefire agreement sign in February. The ceasefire was brokered by leaders from France and Germany, but has continually been violated. Western countries have said they will increase sanctions against Russia if the violations continue.

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