Russian-run mines sack Ukrainian workers: “People were thrown out onto the street”

For many Ukrainians living under occupation, even that stability is now slipping away.

Jobs disappear fast

Coal miners in the occupied Luhansk region report mass layoffs and months of unpaid wages as a major operator edges toward bankruptcy.

According to Russian outlet RTVI, around 1,200 workers lost their jobs after several mines, including Krasny Partizan, Dolzhanskaya-Kapitalnaya and Sverdlov, ceased operations in March.

Employees say they have not received salaries since December, worsening hardship in an area already affected by years of conflict.

Pay delays grow

The mines had been transferred to Rostov-based Don Coal Trading House, which informed staff earlier this year that job cuts were coming as part of restructuring.

Non-payment of wages has become a recurring issue in the region, where struggling mines and repeated ownership changes have left workers waiting months for compensation.

“We haven’t received a single kopeck since December, when they last paid us,” a miner identified as Anatoly told RTVI.

Uncertain future

“People were simply thrown out onto the street. Neither our local leader nor the ministry explains anything,” he added.

Although severance and compensation packages were recorded on paper, workers say the money has yet to be delivered.

Some payouts were said to reach up to 500,000 rubles, though miners remain unsure if they will ever receive the funds.

Few options left

A limited number of workers have been offered jobs in Russia’s Rostov region, while others have been reassigned to maintenance roles at closed sites.

Those who declined relocation have registered with local employment centers, where available jobs reportedly offer significantly lower wages.

“Those who went to work in Rostov still have functioning mines. Those who refused are registered with the local employment center,” Anatoly said.

Company in trouble

The operating company has acknowledged wage arrears and cited financial difficulties, including a lack of access to loans and insufficient revenue from coal sales.

Local authorities said outstanding wages for early 2026 remain unpaid, while the firm indicated it would settle debts only once funds become available.

RTVI reported that the company has accumulated losses exceeding 25.7 billion rubles and is facing numerous lawsuits, tax debts and plans to file for bankruptcy.

Sources: RTVI, TASS

This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation