Western publications report a serious threat to the Ukrainian steel industry in connection with the approach of the front to Pokrovsk. This city, which is an important industrial center, is at risk of being in a war zone, which could have catastrophic consequences for an industry that has already suffered significant losses due to the war.
The Economist points out that the largest coking coal mine in Ukraine, Chervonoarmiiska Zahidna, and the Pokrovsky Mining and Processing Plant are under threat.
The publication reminds that in 2021, Ukraine ranked 14th in the world in terms of steel production, but last year it dropped to 24th place. With the loss of the largest mine, where coal is mined for metallurgy, the Russian Federation will be able to "destroy the rest of the steel industry of Ukraine."
Moreover, the article says, it is not necessary to take Pokrovsk for this.
"As they advance, they (Russian troops - Ed.) will try to cut off the electricity supply and block the main road that brings coal to the west to the rest of the steel mills. Then they will do the same at another smaller coking coal mine 18 km north of Udachny, in Dobropilly," the British magazine writes.
