The Ukrainian government hopes to increase its own coal production,

said the Prime Minister, Denis Shmygal, speaking during a visit to the Donetsk region. “Ukraine needs coal more than ever today. Due to the price of gas and the shortage of coal, we make every effort to make Ukrainian mines to extract as much coal as possible”, said Shmygal. He also added that he hopes for an increase in coal production by at least 1.2 mln tons but did not specify for what period. The Prime Minister also noted that 14 of the 15 power units of nuclear power plants (NPPs) are expected to operate continuously this heating season.