Poroshenko predicts negative consequences in case of continuation of coal supply blockade from Donbas

KYIV. Feb 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) – In case of a continued blockade of coal supply from Donbas a large number of workers of metallurgical enterprises will lose their jobs, and unemployed miners in the uncontrolled territories will join the ranks of militants, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said.

"When the blockade is not terminated and the organizers do not bring Ukrainian metallurgy to a designed capacity, then it may lose up to 300,000 workplaces. Some 300,000 people will remain without job, Poroshenko said at a solemn meeting dedicated to the Day of honoring the combatants in other states in Kyiv on Thursday.

He also noted that in this case the state loses up to $2 billion in currency earnings with the corresponding consequences for the hryvnia exchange rate. In addition, Poroshenko said that coal supplies blockade threatens shutdown of heating in many localities.

According to him, 10,000 of miners in the occupied territories will lose their jobs. "And a large part will join the militants in order to survive and earn money. And this movement was clearly demonstrated by the Main Intelligence Directorate yesterday," the president said.

"So, what is better for us: that they will work at mines or shoot at our soldiers?" the president said reminding that Ukraine is implementing a strategy of restoration the territorial integrity.