Russia Suspends Coal Exports to Ukraine

Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuri Prodan confirmed Nov. 24 that Ukrainian energy firms DTEK and Centrenergo are no longer receiving coal from Russian companies. The same day, DTEK issued a statement saying coal supplies had stopped the evening of Nov. 21. The suspension of coal exports to Ukraine comes at a time when the country is struggling to replace coal supplies located in separatist-held territories. If it continues, the move may contribute to coal shortages, which in turn could lead to electricity cuts and further disruptions to Ukraine's industrial output.