Ukraine investigating illegal purchases of coal from Russia-occupied Donbas

The SBU Security Service of Ukraine is investigating a case related to the illegal purchase of coal mined in Russia-occupied part of Luhansk region for resale to Russia.

This is reported by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.

Read alsoSBU exposes illegal coal supplies from occupied Donbas, including to EU

Journalists asked the Security Service if the probe into the supply of coal from the occupied territories, which contributes to the financing of terrorism, was the reason for imposing sanctions against MP Taras Kozak.

"The Main Investigation Department is conducting a pretrial investigation into criminal proceedings regarding the illegal acquisition of coal mined in the occupied territories of Luhansk region, which is subsequently sold to the addresses of energy management companies in Russia," the message says.

The Security Service recalled that the financing of terrorism is punishable by imprisonment for a term of five to eight years with a ban on holding certain positions or being engaged in certain activities for up to two years, along with confiscation of property.

The agency though did not specify whether this investigation was related to the activities of MP Taras Kozak.

Previous developments

• On February 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky put into effect a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decision, which imposes sanctions on Member of Parliament from the Opposition Platform - For Life Party Taras Kozak, as well as eight companies, which include TV Channels Newsone, 112 Ukraine, and ZIK.
• Under the NSDC decision dated February 2, 2021, the sanctions were imposed for five years.