The construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline bypassing the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has begun in Ukraine.

"The construction of a high-pressure supply gas pipeline from Ocheretyne to Avdiyivka has begun: pipe route marking has been carried out, contractors have begun construction and installation works and the first pipe supplies will begin shortly," Donetsk regional military and civil administration head Pavlo Zhebrivsky wrote on his Facebook page.

The value of the project is about UAH 58 million, with the Avdiyivka coke plant, part of Metinvest Group, allocating part of the sum, he said.

"Upon completion of construction we will be able to supply gas to Avdiyivka and another seven neighboring populated localities (Krasnohorivka, Lastochkyne, Orlivka, Tonenke, Vodiane, Pervomaiske and Netailove) from the territory controlled by Ukraine," he said.

The final decision on building a gas pipeline was made on June 7 amid an emergency, when the gas pipeline was damaged in shelling attacks and Avdiyivka and the surrounding area were left without gas, Zhebrivsky said.

As reported, about 22,000 local residents were affected.