Russian forces are systematically looting Ukrainian natural resources, exporting kaolin and coal from the occupied territories via the Mariupol port. Reports confirm that the invaders are transporting these resources by rail from the Luhansk region and loading them onto bulk carriers for shipment.
According to Petro Andriushchenko, former advisor to the exiled mayor of Mariupol, three bulk carriers were loaded with Ukrainian kaolin and coal between 12 and 17 January. These actions represent yet another example of Russia’s exploitation of occupied Ukrainian territories, violating international law and further deepening its war crimes.
| Date | Resource Exported | Origin | Port of Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 Jan | Kaolin, Coal | Luhansk Region | Mariupol |
Kaolin, a valuable industrial mineral used in ceramics, paper, and paint production, is a strategic resource that Ukraine once exported globally. By seizing and selling this resource, Russia is profiting from stolen Ukrainian wealth while depriving Ukraine of crucial economic assets.
Mariupol, a once-thriving industrial and port city, remains under Russian occupation following its near-total destruction during Moscow’s brutal siege in 2022. The city’s infrastructure has been repurposed by the Kremlin to facilitate the large-scale theft of Ukrainian goods, reinforcing Russia’s strategy of economic exploitation in the occupied territories.
The export of Ukrainian coal follows a similar pattern, with Russia redirecting vast amounts of energy resources to sustain its economy while Ukraine fights to maintain its energy security amid relentless Russian attacks. The illegal shipment of Ukrainian commodities through Mariupol represents another layer of Russia’s efforts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and extract economic benefits from the ongoing war.
Andriushchenko’s reports confirm that Russian occupation authorities are using Mariupol’s port not only as a military stronghold but as a centre for organised plunder. The international community has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal activities in occupied Ukraine, yet Moscow continues to profit from its war of aggression.
