20 Jun 2014 16:33

DPR announces formation of coal miners' division

MOSCOW. June 20 (Interfax) - The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) is forming a division of volunteers from among coal miners, DPR prime minister Aleksandr Borodai said.

"The DPR has started forming a division of coal miners who have decided to protect their houses and families. Five hundred people have already signed up to join the formation's ranks," Borodai wrote on Twitter on Friday.

On June 18 coal miners rallied in Donetsk to protest the government military operation in the Donbas region. The rally involved around 1,000 mine workers from the Kalinin, Skochinsky and Abakumov coal mines. The coal miners chanted: "Donetsk republic!", "Russia!", "We are the Donbas!"