KYIV, Aug 7 – Some private Ukrainian companies buy steam coal in Russia at the price of $78-82 per ton, but these supplies could be halted at any moment "by a decision of one person," Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk said.

He did not name the person, but the understanding is that it is Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Russian coal, I would not say that it is cheap. However, some private structures buy it today. Our calculations are approximate. We cannot say for sure, as these are private companies. This is within $78-80-82 [per ton]," he said on UA: Pershy TV channel on Sunday.