A gas pumping and measuring station located near Sudzha, in Russia’s Kursk region, caught fire on Friday following reports of a sizable explosion at the facility. Social media platforms are circulating footage that apparently shows a substantial explosion and fire against a nighttime background.
Both Russia and Ukraine have stated that they will not attack each other’s energy infrastructure, following recent telephone calls this week between US President Donald Trump and the presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin refused a suggestion for a complete 30-day ceasefire.
Russia claims Ukraine is responsible for the explosion, and the Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation. Ukrainians deny the allegations, stating that the facility has been repeatedly shelled by Russians.
Russia’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that there were hundreds of strikes across the country, causing fires in shopping malls and damage to residential structures. Three children were injured in Zaporizhzhia, and six people in total, including a 4-year-old. Additionally, Odesa experienced localized power outages in three districts, indicating possible damage to energy infrastructure. The strikes happened shortly before Czech President Peter Pavel’s visit to Odesa earlier on Friday.
(Edited by: Luis Oelofse)
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/russian-gas-pumping-facility-ablaze-after-explosion/a-71995033?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
