Ukraine has halted coal mining at the Pokrovska mine due to the approach of Russian forces

Ukraine has ceased coal mining operations at the Pokrovska mine in response to the approach of Russian forces.

This information reported by Reuters, citing its sources.

The Pokrovska mine, located in Donetsk Oblast, is the only source of coking coal in Ukraine, a critical material for the steelmaking industry.

According to the article, the mine is situated less than two kilometers from the front line. Due to the proximity of Russian forces to the area, the mine’s management had no choice but to suspend coal extraction operations.

“They’ve stopped all work now. There’s no production; they’re only working on the surface,” the *Reuters* report stated.

The agency also noted that evacuation efforts are currently underway for workers at the site.

Previously, the president of “Ukrmetalurgprom” warned that with the loss of Pokrovske, Ukraine would face a severe shortage of coal, which could cut the country’s steel production by half.