Pro-Russian activists protesting shale gas production in Donetsk region
Feb. 2, 2013, 9:31 a.m. | Ukraine — by Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv Post
kyivpost.com
Activists gathered for a rally outside the Donetsk regional administration building on Friday to protest against plans to produce shale gas on Yuzovska field, the Ukrainian Choice civic movement reported on Friday. "There are no territories in Ukraine where shale gas could be produced safely," Ukrainian Choice coordinator in the Donetsk region Yevhen Kudryashov said.
Ukrainian choice movement is led by Viktor Medvedchuk, a strongly pro-Kremlin politician with strong personal ties to president Vladimir Putin. Medvedchuk also advocates for Ukraine to join Customs Union, led by Russia.
Kudryshov insisted that the hydraulic fracturing method used in the production of shale gas will poison the water in the Siversky Donets river, which feeds the region.
"It would be impossible to drink, or bathe in it, or use it otherwise at all. We will forget about tap water or spring water! This could have truly disastrous consequences for our region, and our domestic animals will start dying. Poisoned meat and fish will get to our tables. In addition to this, gas and heavy metals will mix with water, and this is fraught with fires and detonations," Kudryashov said.
[snip] |
