The Ukrainian side is somewhat mistaken. It is undisputable that there is a risk of environmental problems in the territory of industrial Donbass, but not in our area. The risk is precisely in areas temporarily controlled by Ukrainian authorities. In 2015, State Technical Control Service of Ukraine was liquidated, which exacerbates the situation.
Our side has long been focusing on environmental issues. Moreover, in February, within the framework of the Humanitarian Program for the Reunification of the People of Donbass, an inspection commission was established. It includes the Ministry of Coal and Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction and Housing, the State Committee for Mining and Engineering, the State Committee for Environmental Policy and Natural Resources, the Municipal enterprise “Voda Donbassa”, and many other agencies. In Minsk we have repeatedly raised the issue about unimpeded access of specialists of the Republic to ecologically dangerous facilities for inspection.
For example, Avdeevka Coke Plant, which stores thousands of tons of toxic substances in its warehouses. In the event of an accident at this plant, there is a high probability of release of hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide and other dangerous substances.
I have repeatedly stressed that ecological situation in Donbass is a very important and demanding issue. We have long insisted on inspection and inventory. We demand that all necessary measures for providing access to facilities that are in the risk zone must be implemented, in order to avoid environmental and industrial disasters. The ways to address this issue directly depend on both sides.
