In brief
As Russian troops encroach upon Ukraine, the last operational coking coal mine near Pokrovsk has shut down after a series of attacks, threatening the national steel industry and expressing the urgency of the wartime situation.
The shadows of war loom large over Ukraine as the last operational coking coal mine near the frontline city of Pokrovsk ceases operations due to escalating conflict. This facility had been pivotal for Ukraine's struggling steel production, crucial for both industry and military efforts. On a fateful night, miner Anton Telegin made his regular trek to the mine, his routine now overshadowed by the imminent threat of Russian troops. His mission—to collect wages—turned into a poignant farewell as he and his colleagues sensed the mine's impending closure. The facility, operated by Metinvest, had recently been targeted, with a strike knocking out its electricity, leading miners to feel that the end was near. "People were packing up, already saying goodbye," Telegin recounted, a reflection of despair shared among the workers who had dedicated years to this industry. On January 14, the company confirmed the closure, marking a catastrophic juncture in Ukraine's ability to sustain its steel production amidst ongoing hostilities. The mine's shutdown is a harsh reminder of the dire situation facing Ukraine's economy and military capabilities as the war continues to reshape the landscape, leaving workers like Telegin grappling with uncertainty and loss.
