The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is concerned about the potential impact on the energy system of the blockade of coal supply from the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions beyond Kyiv control.

"We are concerned by the current disruption to the coal supply from the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk and its potential impact on Ukraine's energy system, the Ukrainian economy, and the Ukrainian people," the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine said in a statement on its Facebook page.

According to the Embassy, the relevant parties need to come together to find a way forward in the short term that allows legitimate goods from Ukrainian companies to transparently cross the line of contact in order to prevent hardship to the people of Ukraine on both sides of the line.

"Further, we strongly encourage the Government of Ukraine to accelerate much-needed reforms in the energy sector to better meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. Executing a plan to diversify Ukraine's coal supply, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize the role of government in the energy sector would reduce opportunities for corruption and increase energy security," the statement reads.