They are declaring energy independence in the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" in eastern Ukraine.

The energy minister of the self proclaimed republic Alexei Granovsky says they won't need help from the rest of Ukraine in the coming winter.

. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ENERGY INDUSTRY MINISTER OF SELF-PROCLAIMED DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, ALEXEI GRANOVSKY, SAYING:

"The Donetsk People's Republic is self-sufficient. The amount of electricity that we produce is enough for us."

The Ukrainian energy ministry says 83 out of the country's 150 coal mines are now on separatist controlled territory.

The Ukrainian side says it is ready to buy coal from mines on rebel-controlled lands provided that the money will be used to pay miner's salaries.

It's an offer they want to refuse.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ENERGY INDUSTRY MINISTER OF SELF-PROCLAIMED DONETSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC, ALEXEI GRANOVSKY, SAYING:

"This decision is a political one rather than an