Donbass coalminers go on open-ended strike to demand troop pullout from region

DONETSK, May 27 (Itar-Tass) - Coalminers in the Donbass coalfields have gone on an open-ended strike to demand Ukrainian troops and other forces leave the Donetsk Region, the first deputy coal minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Konstantin Kuzmin, has told ITAR-TASS. “Donbass coalminers are declaring an open-ended strike to demand an end to the military crackdown and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region,” he said. Six coalminers have joined the industrial action so far. “We expect that many more will follow suit,” he said. In the meantime, fighter planes keep flying over Donetsk. The situation in the centre of the city is relatively calm, but many businesses, including shops, banks and cafes are closed. Public transport operates depending on the situation. The press-service of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic has said the authorities in Kiev resumed the military operation at Tuesday noon. According to some sources, the local residents have been warned that they have three hours to leave the city. At this moment there are no signs of an exodus. The authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic expect that the city of Donetsk will begin to be stormed soon. Learn more on itar-tass.com