Anton Telegin was no stranger to the coal mine that had been his workplace for almost two decades. But as he drove there one night, just after Christmas, he felt a sense of dread. Russian forces were closing in, and the mine was under constant threat from their attacks. The conditions were tough; the mine had recently lost power after a strike hit its electrical substation, bringing operations to a halt. Some miners had already packed up their personal items and left, sensing that the end was near.

The mine had been a vital part of Ukraine's energy sector, but the relentless Russian attacks had made it impossible to continue operations safely. Telegin and his colleagues had been braving these conditions for months, but even their resolve was wearing thin. The mine's closure was not just about the loss of a job, but also about the disruption to Ukraine's energy supply and the community that depended on it.

As Telegin made his way to collect his wages, he couldn't help but think about the future. What would happen to the miners and their families? How would Ukraine manage without this crucial coal mine? These were questions that needed answers, but for now, the mine's lights were going out, marking the end of an era.

Coal Mine's Long Fight Under Fire Comes to an End

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