On the occasion of Miners’ Day, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, together with Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, honoured miners for their work and contribution to the country’s energy resilience.

“Every year, on the last Sunday of August, we pay tribute to the people whose daily work underground keeps Ukraine’s lights on above ground,” Denys Shmyhal said.

According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the mining industry has not stopped for a single day. Russia deliberately targets substations supplying power to mines. Hoisting equipment and ventilation systems stop, and miners remain underground until power is restored and they can be brought back to the surface. Dozens of people have found themselves underground without communication with their families. Yet each time, miners have returned to the surface and descended underground again the following day. Their work, among other factors, helped Ukraine successfully get through the challenging previous winter.

“The state values the work of miners. That is why ensuring fair and timely remuneration is one of our key priorities. More than UAH 2 billion has been allocated for this purpose in the 2026 state budget,” Denys Shmyhal emphasized.

Work is currently underway on a draft law aimed at stabilising the operations of mining enterprises, which will be submitted to Parliament.

“We are grateful to miners for their courage and daily work. You are one of the important pillars of our energy sector today and during the country’s recovery. We remember everyone who lost their lives while working in mines and defending Ukraine,” First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy said.