Russian Forces Begin Illegal Iron Ore Mining in Occupied Zaporizhzhia Region

In the village of Vesele, located 15 kilometers from Tokmak in the Zaporizhzhia region, the Russians have initiated open-pit mining of iron ore, according to Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol on January 7.

The Russians use specialized equipment extensively, signaling a large-scale effort to exploit natural resources in the occupied territory.

To staff the mining operation, Russian employment centers are offering shift-based work with salaries of 100,000 rubles ($935). However, local residents have shown no interest in the positions.

In response, Russians have reportedly begun recruiting migrant workers, particularly from Asia.

This has led to an increase in the migration of workers from Mariupol to Tokmak, forming what Andriushchenko referred to as a growing “Mariupol migrant diaspora.”

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia was reportedly supplying grain, stolen from Ukraine, to the Houthi rebels controlling most of Yemen.