Russian media: "Gas pipeline explosion and fire in Luhansk, Ukraine"

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Amid rising tensions surrounding Ukraine, on the 18th (local time), Russian media reported that a section of a gas pipeline near Luhansk, an eastern conflict zone in Ukraine, exploded and caught fire.

According to The Guardian, Russian Interfax news agency cited a local gas supplier in reporting this. So far, only reports citing Russian media have been released, and no confirmation articles from Western media have appeared yet.

This report drew attention as it came after the West, including the United States, warned of a ‘false flag’ operation in which Russia might stage a preemptive attack to create a pretext for invading Ukraine.

The Guardian also reported that pro-Russian Telegram channels claim the fire was caused by Ukrainians.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.