Ukraine: Miners block roads in Kirovograd Region Dec. 21

Event

Protesting mineworkers employed by the Ingulskaya, Novokonstantinovskaya, and Smolinskaya mines are blocking highways in the Kirovograd region connecting Kyiv with Kropyvnytsky, Mykolaiv, and Kryvyi Rih as of the morning of Dec. 21 to demand the payment of wage arrears. The blockades form part of indefinite protest action, and further similar actions are likely in the coming weeks.

Long tailbacks are likely on any affected roads, as well as on parallel routes. Violence is possible if police move to reopen the route forcibly. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted, they would face a significant indirect threat in the vicinity of any clashes.

Advice

Check route status before setting out and avoid using the affected roads where possible. Allow additional travel time on alternative routes. Anticipate severe delays to freight shipments using the affected route. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks.