06.04.2025 Ecology Kharkiv

Akhmetov vs. nature: how oligarchs, with Nereta’s assistance, are destroying Kharkiv region for gas

Ринат Ахметов — Latifundist.com

Akhmetov vs. nature: how oligarchs, with Nereta’s help, are destroying Kharkiv region for gasAs of early 2025, Kharkiv region is on the verge of an environmental disaster. The Regional Landscape Park “Smaragdove Dzherelo”, which was supposed to become the pearl of the Emerald Network of Europe, has not appeared on the map of Ukraine. Instead, Naftogazrazrabotka LLC, a company associated with oligarch Rinat Akhmetov, is launching a large-scale offensive against the region’s mineral resources, ignoring the law, the community, and nature. Behind their actions is the shadow of officials from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Kharkiv Regional Environmental Agency, and environmental inspections.

Who is Naftogazrozrobka?

Naftogazrozrobka LLC was registered on January 23, 2015 in Kyiv. The company’s founders are Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest oligarch, and DTEK Oil & Gas Development B.V., a Dutch company that is part of his business empire. Akhmetov is the beneficiary.

The company has already received a special permit for geological exploration and commercial development of the Khoroshivska license area in Kharkiv region. The company plans to drill wells, build gas pipelines and gas treatment plants. But behind the glossy promises of “energy independence” lie numerous violations of the law and pressure on the community.

What is known about the Khoroshivska license area?

The Khoroshivska license area is located in Kharkiv district, near the villages of Bezlyudivka, Babai, Khoroshevo and Zhykhar. Back in 2019, Naftogazrazrabotka began preparations for drilling three wells, building low-temperature gas separation units and a gas pipeline to the main network. To do this, the company needed an environmental impact assessment, a document that would confirm the safety of the project. To reassure local residents, in 2019 the company launched a large-scale PR campaign that included meetings with activists and tours of “model facilities.”

However, in the same year, 2019, Naftogazrozrabotka illegally installed geophones (seismic receivers), violating the rules for subsoil use. This fact became the basis for criminal proceedings No. 12020220060001594. The investigation was conducted by the Investigative Department of the Kharkiv Regional Police Department No. 1, but its results are still unknown.

Promises at Public Hearings

On November 28, 2019, public hearings were held in Kharkiv district on the development of Khoroshivska area. The agenda included the drilling of three gas and three water wells, the construction of a gas treatment plant and a gas pipeline. 60 people took part, but the majority of them were categorically against it. Residents feared environmental risks: water, air and soil pollution in a densely populated area.

However, the community was ignored. On January 20, 2020, the Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Management of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, headed by Andriy Nereta, issued a conclusion that allowed Naftogazrazrobka to start work despite obvious violations of the procedure and questionable data. The document was “tailored” to the company’s interests, and the real risks to the environment were ignored.

Обговорення розвитку моніторингу у Харківській ОВА - Все про повітря

Judicial Wars

One of the civil society organizations filed a lawsuit with the Kharkiv District Administrative Court, demanding that the Department’s inaction be declared unlawful and the EIA conclusion be canceled. On February 24, 2021, the court opened proceedings in case No. 520/2532/21, but on April 28 of the same year, Judge O. Kotenov dismissed the claim.

The decision was appealed to the Second Administrative Court of Appeal. At the same time, the appeal revealed violations of improper notification and violations of the law. Thus, the decision of the first instance was canceled, and Nereta’s conclusion was recognized as unlawful.

What is the current situation?

Even after the court decision, Naftogazrozrabotka LLC did not abandon its plans to seize the Emerald Network. The company continues to try to obtain special permits for subsoil near the potential Emerald Spring park. Moreover, the commercial interest is supported by officials of the Ministry of Ecology, the State Ecological Inspectorate, Kharkiv Regional State Administration and its Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Management.

We have already submitted materials to the competent authorities. We are waiting for their consideration.

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