Russia tries to buy miners’ loyalty in the TOT with promises
Russian propaganda is actively spreading messages about “record financial investment” into the coal mining industry in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine.
Representatives of the occupation administration are making claims about plans to invest billions of rubles in the restoration and development of mines “in the coming years.” They are also promising miners “substantial raises” upon hiring and an increase in coal production at high pace.
All of this is happening amid a deepening crisis in Russia’s own coal mining industry, which is steadily collapsing due to sanctions and the loss of markets. Mines are becoming unprofitable and shutting down, while workers face layoffs. Many miners have gone months without pay, leading to hunger strikes and protests.
This demonstrates that most of the occupiers’ promises of “golden mountains” for Donbas miners are nothing more than propaganda. The Russian authorities are now forced to invest some funds into the industry in the occupied territories to buy the loyalty of the local population, while making even greater promises to create the illusion of care.
However, the harsh realities of Russia’s struggling economy will inevitably force the authorities to treat the mines and industrial enterprises in Donbas and other TOT the same way they are treating those in Russia.
