Ukrainian government to protect gas infrastructure

The Ukrainian government said on March 17 it was taking special security precautions to ensure gas pipeline infrastructure was protected during conflict with Russia, UPI has reported.

Ukrainian opposition leader Dmitry Yarosh said he'd destroy the Soviet-era gas transmission network through Ukraine in response to Russian "occupiers," Russian news agency RT reported.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said it was taking the necessary security precautions.

"The National Guard and Security Service of Ukraine have put in place special protective measures concerning the gas transmission and distribution system of Ukraine," a statement carried by Russian news agency RIA Novosti said. "This decision was made to ensure the safety and smooth operation of critical infrastructure in the country."

Copyright: UPI, 2014