Russia to Begin Coal Exports from Occupied Donbas via Mariupol in October

Russia plans to initiate coal exports from the occupied Donbas region starting in October, according to Russian media. The company “Trading House Don Coal” is reportedly preparing to use the port of Mariupol to facilitate these operations.

Andrey Chertkov, a representative of the Russian-installed administration in the Donetsk region, confirmed the plans in a statement. Negotiations for the sale of coal from Donbas are ongoing with potential buyers from China, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Malaysia, according to Oleg Knyazev, the general director of the company.

A source familiar with the company’s strategy told that the coal could be exported through the ports of occupied Mariupol, Taganrog, and Rostov-on-Don. Additionally, there are discussions about using rail routes through Azerbaijan and Iran for delivery.