The blockade of coal supplies from the occupied territories threatens national security, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said at a Cabinet’s meeting.
“As for the blockade, I strongly oppose any smuggling, and the result of this struggle is additional 18 billion UAH in budget proceeds. I agree that we need to stop the movement of smuggled goods across the demarcation line by rail and other transport means,” Groysman said but stressed that the government should first and foremost think about the national security issues and regular heat and electricity supply to houses.
As noted by the Prime Minister, Ukraine consumes 24 million tons of thermal coal, including 9 million tons of “A” group coal, which is used at the thermal power plants, produced on the temporarily occupied territories. (Ukrinform/Ukrainian metal)