Ukraine rebels seize coal mines, demand explosives: Ministry

A pro-Russian militant opens fire to test his weapon at a checkpoint outside Slaviansk on May 18, 2014. Separatist rebels on Thursday, May 22, 2014, seized four Ukrainian coal mines in the east of the strife-torn country and demanded that its wo
A pro-Russian militant opens fire to test his weapon at a checkpoint outside Slaviansk on May 18, 2014. Separatist rebels on Thursday, May 22, 2014, seized four Ukrainian coal mines in the east of the strife-torn country and demanded that its workers supply them with explosives, the Ukrainian energy ministry said. -- PHOTO: EPA

KIEV (AFP) - Separatist rebels on Thursday seized four Ukrainian coal mines in the east of the strife-torn country and demanded that its workers supply them with explosives, the Ukrainian energy ministry said.

"The terrorists, threatening (workers) with guns, are demanding explosives" in the eastern Lugansk region near the Russian border, the ministry said in a statement, adding that the mines belong to the Lysychanskugol company.

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