Ukrainian Saboteurs Destroy Tolyatti-Odessa Ammonia Pipeline in Russia
Pipeline Repair Could Take One to Three Months, Says Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
According to a spokesperson from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Zakharova, if access to the damaged area of the blown-up pipeline is provided, the repair may take from one to three months. This statement was made after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski stated that he can solve the problem; however, this does not necessarily mean that ammonia shipments will continue.
Zakharova stated that the Russian government will work to clarify the circumstances of the incident, but she also argued that Ukraine is the only party not interested in restoring the pipeline. The Grain Corridor Agreement, which was signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022, included the opening of the Tolyatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline that travels from Russia, through Ukraine, and descends to the Black Sea. However, Russia claims that Ukraine has not allowed the use of this line and wants the pipeline to be restored as per the agreement.
The pipeline defect occurred on August 16, 2022, and the incident has caused ammonia shipments between Russia and Ukraine to stop. The pipeline is important for agricultural production because it is used to transport ammonia fertilizer, which is used to cultivate crops.
The repair timeline is uncertain, and no specific date has been announced for the repair work to start. Nevertheless, both Russia and Ukraine have expressed interest in restoring the pipeline as soon as possible.
In conclusion, it appears that the repair of the pipeline could take a considerable amount of time, which could affect agricultural production and trade on both sides. However, it is evident that the two countries are willing to resolve the problem and restore the pipeline, given the significance of ammonia shipments for their economies.
