Kyiv says Russia cuts coal deliveries to Ukraine

Volodymyr Demchyshyn told lawmakers on November 27 that pro-Russian separatists who control coal mines in eastern Ukraine also have halted the delivery of coal supplies. He said that with two ships carrying coal from South Africa due to arrive in December, Kyiv would have enough coal to "ensure the stable functioning" of its energy system for 45 to 50 days. He said Ukraine was in talks with South Africa about further coal deliveries. Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak said on November 24 that Russia might cut coal supplies to punish Ukraine for what he said was its deliberate refusal to help rebuild power lines to Crimea that were blown up by unknown saboteurs. Russia has already cut natural gas deliveries to Ukraine. Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014, plunging relations between the onetime allies into crisis.