Ukraine’s intelligence agency accuses Russia of plotting to detonate a chemical plant in Crimea, claiming to have witnessed Russian forces mining and evacuating the site.
In a formal context, Ukraine’s Department of Intelligence has stated that an explosion at the Crimean Titan plant could release 200 tons of ammonia into the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to nearby districts within a short time.
Significance of the Chemical Plant in Crimea
The plant, situated in Armyansk at the northernmost tip of Crimea, serves as one of the two land-based entry points into the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine.
The department emphasized that the Crimean Titan plant stores substantial quantities of ammonia for its refrigeration systems, and if released, this could endanger the southern districts of the Kherson region.
Referring to the potential attack on the plant as a terrorist attack orchestrated by Russia, Ukraine’s intelligence department warned of the disastrous consequences that such an artificial and man-made catastrophe could entail.
Read more: Marines In The Capitol: Two Active-Duty Service Members Plead Guilty To Riot Charges
Impact of Water Shortage on Crimean Titan Plant
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that increased levels of ammonia can result in skin, throat, lung, and eye irritation. In severe instances, it can cause lung damage or potentially lead to fatality.
Ukraine’s assertion coincides with its high-stakes counteroffensive along the front line, involving the deployment of Western armor, artillery, and other weaponry. The Kherson region is among the contested areas by both sides in the ongoing conflict.
The collapse of a massive dam in Kherson on June 6 resulted in floods affecting nearby settlements and posed a threat to the main water supply of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Both Kyiv and Moscow have engaged in a blame game regarding the breach.
Ukraine’s intelligence department highlights that the mining of the Crimean Titan plant by Russian forces is a direct consequence of the dam’s destruction.
According to the department, due to the water scarcity in Armyansk, the plant is now incapable of functioning, even at its minimum capacity. Moreover, the authorities appointed by Russia in the area have been relocated.
As of now, Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not provided a response to the request for comment from Insider, which was sent outside regular business hours.
Read more: US Intelligence Agencies Acquire Extensive Amounts Of Personal Data On Americans, Reveals US Report
