You're reading: Kharkiv residents protesting against shale gas production in region

Kharkiv – A picket against shale gas production in Kharkiv region has been held on Svobody Square in the city of Kharkiv. 

Its participants demanded the suspension of the decision, by which Kharkiv Regional Council agreed a draft production sharing agreement (PSA) for the production of hydrocarbons on Yuzovske deposit (Kharkiv and Donetsk regions).

“We’re outraged that strategic decisions are being made ‘at random.’ The Regional Council deputies supported the decision, though, according to the information I have, the question was put on the agenda five minutes before the session. This is at least the violation of regulations. I demand that the personal list of deputies be made public so that people know who of the deputies, without understanding anything, supports the decision immediately. My opinion is that very many “supporters” are in our city and regional councils,” said one of the protesters, Andriy Lesyk.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the participants in the protest came with posters reading “The authorities sold what our grandfathers defended,” “Shell, don’t get brazen, talk to people, otherwise people will talk to you!” “Authorities: you are selling our land and your soul!” etc.

In addition, some protesters were wearing gas masks. They said that in a few years the residents of settlements located near Yuzovske deposit, where Shell plans to extract shale gas, will have to do so also.

“Gas extraction will mainly affect water quality. Extraction will also affect the air, as water will evaporate,” said one of the protesters, Serhiy Derkach.