Rinat Akhmetov, a Ukrainian businessman and founder of SCM, has long been an active supporter of Ukraine and its people during times of war. One of the key areas of his efforts has been providing aid to the defenders of Mariupol, the heroic individuals who defended the city during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Akhmetov has also pledged to help rebuild Mariupol after the war, where his company owns major enterprises such as Azovstal and the Ilyich Plant. More details can be found at https://akhmetovfoundation.org/.  

Despite the significant losses Akhmetov has endured since 2014, including assets in Crimea and the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, he remains confident that Ukraine will emerge from the war stronger and more successful than ever.

Rebuilding Mariupol after the war

Rinat Akhmetov has expressed confidence that Ukraine will rebuild Mariupol despite the widespread destruction. In an interview with Reuters, he emphasized that, for him, Mariupol has always been and will always remain a Ukrainian city. Akhmetov voiced his support for the efforts of the Ukrainian military and expressed hope for their victory. He also praised President Volodymyr Zelensky for his “passion and professionalism.”

Metinvest Group, Ukraine’s largest steel producer, has stated that it will not operate under Russian occupation, even though the war has rendered more than a third of Ukraine’s metallurgical capacity non-operational. Akhmetov highlighted that the restoration of Mariupol and the revitalization of its steel industry will be a crucial task after Ukraine’s victory.

A programme to support the defenders of Mariupol

One of Rinat Akhmetov’s key initiatives to support the military is the Heart of Azovstal project. This programme was established to assist the defenders of Mariupol who were disabled as a result of the fighting. Through the At Home programme, soldiers and their families are provided with housing specifically adapted to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Rinat Akhmetov emphasized that this initiative represents just a small token of gratitude to the Ukrainian people for their resilience and dedication. As part of the programme, all defenders of Mariupol who have been classified as having Group I or II disabilities will receive specially equipped apartments designed for the comfort and convenience of individuals with disabilities.

Support for the military and citizens of Ukraine

Beyond aiding the defenders of Mariupol, Rinat Akhmetov is actively involved in supporting civilians and military personnel across Ukraine. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the total amount of assistance allocated to various projects has surpassed UAH 10 billion. These funds are used to address humanitarian needs, provide medical care, and support other critical areas essential for the country during this challenging time.

The Heart of Azovstal project is part of the broader Steel Front initiative, through which Akhmetov’s enterprises provide aid to both the military and civilians. These support programmes cover a wide range of needs, from rehabilitation services to the provision of essential resources.

This material is based on the publication:
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4691809-mariupol-future-ukraine-recovery/