A Russian airstrike caused a tragedy in eastern Ukraine after directly hitting a copper mine located in the town of Bilozerske, near Dobropillia, in the Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian authorities and the miners’ union, the bombing left at least one worker dead and around one hundred and fifty miners trapped underground, in addition to three injured who were rescued alive.
The mine belongs to the energy company DTEK and is located in a particularly vulnerable area, just fifteen kilometers from the front line, which makes access for rescue teams and the launch of safe operations to free those still underground even more complex. Union leader Mykhailo Volynets reported that exactly one hundred and forty-eight workers were trapped, although official reports mention about one hundred and fifty.
The attack cut off the mine’s power supply, shutting down the ventilation systems and elevators that allow workers to reach the surface, creating a desperate situation for families and rescuers. Hopes are focused on restoring power as soon as possible to begin the evacuation process, but the constant threat of new Russian attacks is slowing down emergency efforts.
This tragedy recalls an episode that occurred in September 2024 in the same region, when one hundred and fifty-one miners were trapped underground after a Russian bombardment cut the electricity supply. On that occasion no fatalities were reported, but the incident had already exposed the vulnerability of Ukrainian mines to attacks on critical infrastructure. Now, with the death of one worker and the large number of people trapped, the humanitarian crisis becomes more visible and urgent.
The Donetsk region, the epicenter of intense fighting since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, is one of the most heavily hit by bombings. Coal and copper mines represent a vital source for the local economy and the livelihood of thousands of families, but they have become a recurring target of attacks aimed at paralyzing production and sowing terror among the population.
Unions and local authorities have called for international support to ensure workers’ safety and to denounce what they consider a deliberate attack on civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, uncertainty and anguish dominate the families of the miners, who await concrete news about the fate of their loved ones. Rescue teams are working against the clock under adverse conditions.
with the constant fear that another bombardment could hit the area again. This episode reflects not only the brutality of the conflict, but also the human drama endured by those who, even in the midst of war, continue working to support their families and sustain what remains of Ukraine’s economy.
