Oleksandr Striutskyi is a 30-year-old war veteran. Today, he is a senior foreman of the ore crushing area of the crushing plant No. 1 at Northern Iron Ore. People here have known him since 2019, when he joined the plant after completing his studies to work as a crusher operator.
Oleksandr's story is a story about a person who returns to normal life after the war, about strength and stubbornness and the ability to live on.
Taking on a new role
When the big war came to Ukraine, Oleksandr joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: His service began in April 2022. For a year and a half, the man served as a rifleman in the infantry, fought in the Donetsk and Kharkiv directions, and witnessed terrible military everyday life. As Oleksandr recalls, this experience does not pass without a trace, neither physically nor psychologically.
In September 2023, Oleksandr Striutskyi was demobilised on health grounds after undergoing spinal surgery and having a titanium system implanted.
After a lengthy period of rehabilitation, returning to civilian life was not easy. Oleksandr faced the question: What's ahead and where to go next?
«I had doubts about whether to come back or not. Will I be able to work at the plant at all... I am no longer in the same physical shape. My back ached, so working as a crusher operator, as before, was not possible. It is physically demanding work. What should I do next? I thought it over and discussed it with everyone, my wife, colleagues from the plant, and friends." According to Oleksandr, it was slightly easier for him to return to civilian life than for many other veterans: the post-surgery rehabilitation period gave him some time to get used to a different rhythm. But the war had still changed him profoundly.
Ultimately, the support of his family and work team proved decisive. His wife said that she would accept any decision he made, while at work they were ready to lend a helping hand. Oleksandr was offered another position as senior foreman, which allowed him to work taking into account his health condition and at the same time contribute to the enterprise. Thus, he took on a new responsible mission, helping to adapt new employees:
«My work is now more connected with documents, the computer, and people. I introduce new employees to the plant, the team, the rules, production areas, responsibilities and the overall structure of the enterprise and the Company. I help to set up the Metapolis corporate application, talk about its capabilities and how to use them. I try to make their first days easier and advise them on their duties.
Different people come: young graduates, experienced workers from other shops or enterprises, and demobilised fellow soldiers. You have to find an approach to each of them. This work is completely new for me. I try to put myself in their place and, from this perspective, help them to settle into an unfamiliar environment. It is not easy to understand someone's aspirations and character straight away; to some extent, it is psychological work. Unexpectedly for me, I have come to like my new role at the plant," said Oleksandr.
First trip abroad and first marathon
The trip to Italy was the brightest moment of last year for Oleksandr Striutskyi. He took part in the La Mezza di Genova race as part of a special delegation from Ukraine consisting of seven veteran employees who had served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and, after demobilisation, returned to Metinvest enterprises in Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhstal. It is worth noting that it was Oleksandr's first trip abroad.
"When I received the invitation, I kept wondering, why me? There are a lot of veteran guys... In general, it was an unforgettable journey, which I still remember now, - says the veteran. – The Company covered almost a full week of our stay in Italy. Genoa itself is a beautiful tourist city. Very sunny and ancient. It was an annual international half marathon. I am not a professional athlete. Like most boys, I played a bit of football and did some athletics as a child, but now I try to keep myself in shape. It was an opportunity to test myself. I took part in the shortest race, 3 kilometres, carefully, taking into account my injury. This race is open to anyone, regardless of age. Some people even ran with their pets. I completed the race and was very happy. There is still such a friendly atmosphere around: Thousands of participants and guests from different countries, it was a vivid celebration of sport, health, strength and endurance. Even those who had lost their health showed that they could lead active lives. And Ukrainian veterans demonstrated what they are capable of, how strong they are, despite physical limitations."
During the trip, the veterans not only took part in the races, but also visited the head office of Metinvest in Genoa and the Ferriera Valsider plant near Verona.
«I realised how large Metinvest's international team is, felt the support of our colleagues abroad and learned many interesting things. At the plant, we met a former employee of Northern Iron Ore who was our interpreter and guide," said Oleksandr. – I am very grateful to Metinvest for such a wonderful trip! We also visited Verona, walked along the ancient streets, looked at the balcony of Shakespeare's Juliet. "Incredible impressions! I cleared my head and saw many interesting places. I still remember it as if it were yesterday, the memories are so vivid. It was a great gift to veterans from the Company. I am grateful for this opportunity».
Today, sport remains a part of Oleksandr's life. The Italian trip motivated him to keep moving forward. He says that he trains regularly but without excess. morning exercises and light physical activity. Our hero is convinced: «Moderate exercise helps a lot to recover – both psychologically and physically. And also – to keep yourself in good shape and good mood».
The path to recovery
Oleksandr does not hide that the war has greatly affected him, especially his psychological state:
«My nervous system is unsettled, and I understand that only time will help here. But there are positives as well. After my service, I have become more resilient to stress and more measured in my thinking. This helps me at work. Some things that once seemed important now seem trivial. I have gained a clear understanding that life itself is the most important value. The main thing is that you are alive. Everything else can wait, or is not as important or urgent as it once seemed».
The appearance of veterans in the work team also changed the atmosphere. Somewhere – more attention, somewhere – a normal, equal attitude, as the veteran observes. And that's exactly how he thinks it should be:
«I am convinced that veterans do not require any special treatment. Like everyone else, they need respect, mutual understanding, cooperation, and support. That is the foundation of any relationship within a team. I am very grateful to my colleagues who supported me throughout my service. I saw how sincerely happy they were that I had returned alive».
After returning from the war, Oleksandr hardly makes long-term plans: "I have stopped planning. While the war continues in Ukraine, there is no point in looking too far ahead. I have my job, my wife, my team and a minimum level of stability, and for now that is enough. We will see what tomorrow brings."
