RT: Ukraine out in the cold this winter without coal from Russia, Donbass
Ukraine doesn’t see other options than to buy gas from Russia, or coal from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, to keep the country warm this winter, said Yury Prodan Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister.
"South Africa has refused to maintain further deliveries of coal to us. A new contract can be signed in at least a month and a half. We have no other choice but to turn to Russian suppliers and purchase their coal. The situation with coal supply is threatening. Energy security is at risk," said Prodan at a government session Wednesday.
Ukraine now has just 1.7 million tons of coal reserves, which is critically low.
“There is a risk we won’t pull through the autumn and winter, but we continue to look for a way out,” he said.