For Freedom and Independence: Rinat Akhmetov Allocates 6 Billion UAH Over 18 Months to Support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Civilians
SCM businesses, Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and the football club "Shakhtar" have directed nearly $175 million (165 million EUR) to aid the country, its military personnel, and civilians during the course of 18 months of the extensive invasion.
The main areas of assistance include supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population, aid for communities, and preparation for the restoration of Mariupol.
Support for Ukraine's defenders is carried out through the "Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front" military project. This is particularly important for SCM, as over 13,500 employees of the company's businesses have joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with nearly 900 of our colleagues having sacrificed their lives.
Through the "Steel Front," military units from across the country receive ammunition, vehicles, ambulances for military medics, drones, thermal imagers, scopes, radios, cameras, clothing, footwear, medical kits, and tourniquets, as well as fuel and other necessary items. In particular, "Metinvest" has developed, manufactured and delivered more than 200 modular shelters for frontline fighters. The metallurgical group also supplies steel for armored vehicle protection, manufactures armor for bulletproof vests, and produces metal for mobile buggies. As part of a joint initiative between the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and "Ukrtelecom," 20 military brigades will receive 2,430 communication management systems to enhance communication and combat capabilities.
Additionally, Rinat Akhmetov has allocated 1 billion UAH ($25 million) to the "Heart of Azovstal" project for the support of Mariupol's defenders. The support from the project is already being provided. Overall, in 2023, within the framework of six program initiatives, support for nearly 10,000 defenders of the city and their families is planned.
Systematic humanitarian aid from Rinat Akhmetov's businesses and projects also reaches civilian Ukrainians in frontline zones and liberated regions. People receive products, clothing, household items, medicines, hygiene products, and more. In cities where SCM operates, provisions are made for shelters and refuges, hospitals, sources of light, and water. Support is also offered to local administrations and municipal services – from fuel to personal protective equipment.
Since the start of the conflict, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has provided 700,000 units of medication and over 630,000 food packages for Ukrainians. A new projects have been launched for adult rehabilitation, provision of heating devices, and assistance in establishing dormitories for Mariupol residents in Dnipro.
The football club "Shakhtar" also provides systematic aid to athletes, internally displaced persons, Ukrainian defense forces personnel, and residents of the regions affected by the conflict. The club covered all expenses for treatment in the USA for Azovstal defender Mykhailo Dianov and took on the organization of treatment and rehabilitation for severely wounded fighter Vitaliy Shumey in Barcelona.
A special and very important direction of SCM and Rinat Akhmetov’s support for the country is contribution to the ongoing and future recovery of Ukraine. Investments are already being made in the restoration of destroyed infrastructure, the establishment of new production facilities, creation of new jobs, and attraction of European investments into the country's economy. As a personal initiative, Rinat Akhmetov has allocated 60 million UAH ($1.5 million) in 2023 for the development of the Mariupol Revival Plan after the city liberation, as a part of the Mariupol.Reborn initiative.
"Today we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the freedom and independence of our country. Ukraine has experienced a lot over these years, but one thing can be stated unequivocally – Ukraine has not surrendered and has not broken. We have preserved our country and our statehood. And Ukraine will definitely triumph. Our path to the Victory is neither close nor easy, but the day when the war ends and we begin building a peaceful, modern, new Ukraine will certainly come. I thank every Ukrainian warrior who defends us. You are our pride and strength. Thank you to all who serve on the home front. Today, every one of us must do our utmost to aid the front. To stop the aggressor as soon as possible and forever protect our independence," said Rinat Akhmetov, greeting Ukrainians on the Independence Day.
