Bombing of ammonia pipeline complicates grain deal extension: Peskov
Dimitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, confirms that the recent explosion at the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline, which was considered an integral part of the grain agreement, will complicate the process for an extension of the deal.
-
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attends the Supreme State Council of the Union State Russia-Belarus meeting in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 6, 2023. (AP)
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the recent explosion at the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline adds to the complications possibly hindering the extension of the grain deal.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has blown up the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline in Kharkov, with some casualties reported.
"We do not know what kind of destruction there is. We do not know what the Ukrainian side is going to do with this line. But you know that this topic was mentioned as an integral part of the part of the deal that concerned us. Therefore, let's just say, this is another aspect that complicates the situation in terms of prolonging the deal," Peskov told reporters.
Peskov further noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin "keeps the situation in the Kherson Region under control after the sabotage at the dam and the explosion of the dam."
Read more: Wagner's Prigozhin tells Al Mayadeen Ukraine counteroffensive underway
Moreover, Peskov explained that "yesterday, as you know, [Putin] instructed the Ministry of Emergency Situations to strengthen its presence there and provide assistance to people and also actively engage in work to eliminate the consequences of this disaster."
Putin has no plans to convene a meeting in the Kherson Region following the sabotage, according to Peskov, who also emphasized that emergency personnel are working tirelessly in the region to cope with the consequences of the attack on the Kakhovka HPP despite ongoing shelling.
Erdogan, Putin discuss Kakhovka incident
According to the Turkish President's office, Erdogan and Putin spoke, on June 7, over the phone regarding the need to investigate the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), as well as the situation in Ukraine.
The statement detailed that the two presidents spoke of developments in the Russian-Ukraine war. Additionally, Erdogan said it was crucial to investigate the matter in a way that "eliminates any doubt. "
He expressed that Russian and Ukrainian experts should form a commission along with the United Nations and the international community, emphasizing that Turkey is ready to play a role.
Read more: Germany's Leopards, IRIS-Ts not holding up well in Ukraine
The President's office also detailed how Erdogan also discussed the matter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine was blown on Tuesday by shelling unleashing a flood of water across the war zone.
In a statement, the Turkish Presidency detailed that "Erdogan expressed the idea of creating an international commission with the participation of experts from the belligerents, the UN and Turkey," as quoted by TRT Haber TV broadcaster.
The Russian President disclosed to Erdogan that Ukraine utilizes terrorist methods and sabotage in Russia, according to the Kremlin.
Putin added that Ukraine is engaging in dangerous escalation backed by the West. He referred to the destruction of Kakhovka HPP as a "barbaric act" that led to a giant ecological disaster.
Read more: Russia requests UNSC meeting over Kakhovka dam destruction
