Russian forces blow up gas pipeline in Ukrainian city of Kharkiv

The Ukrainian president’s office says Russian forces blew up a gas pipeline in Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city.

The State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection warns that the explosion, which it says looked like a mushroom cloud, could cause an “environmental catastrophe” and advised residents to cover their windows with damp cloth or gauze and to drink plenty of fluids.

Ukraine’s top prosecutor, Iryna Venediktova, says the Russian forces have been unable to take Kharkiv, where a fierce battle is underway.

The city of 1.5 million is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Russian border.

Earlier reports by local media said a fuel facility also exploded near the city of Vasylkiv.

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