U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft has spoken…in defence of the extraction of shale gas in Ukraine, saying that the process should not pose any safety threat, or inordinate harm to the environment if proper extraction methods are observed...The statement comes in response to opponents of the proposed plan to drill for shale gas, who say that its production is detrimental to the environment and poses safety risks to individuals...Ukraine has signed $10 billion deal with Royal Dutch Shell for beginning shale gas exploration in the country’s eastern regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv, while US Chevron is negotiating an agreement for shale exploration of the Olesska field towards Ukraine’s western borders with the European Union...As expert Paul Stevens says: “The extraction and use of shale gas can affect the environment through the leaking of extraction chemicals and waste into water supplies, the leaking of greenhouse gasses during extraction, and the pollution caused by the improper processing of natural gas...”