Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front defence initiative handed over another large batch of drones to the 1st Army Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine's Azov Brigade. The value of the transferred equipment amounts to UAH 214 million. This delivery became another stage in the systematic support of the corps by Metinvest Group in 2025. 

Taking into account this latest batch of drones, the total amount of assistance provided to Azov over the year reached UAH 600 million. The funds were allocated to supply the most critical technological solutions for the front, as well as to provide logistical and technical support to the units. 

"In 2025, we continued to support the 1st Army Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine's Azov Brigade in areas of critical importance to combat operations: electronic warfare systems, UAVs, means of communication, fuel, and technical support. The total amount of this assistance is UAH 600 million," stated Oleksandr VODOVIZ, Head of the CEO's Office of Metinvest Group.

Representatives of the 1st Army Corps of the Azov Brigade emphasised that this support is crucial, as modern warfare requires constant and rapid upgrading of the technological base.

"In 2025, the requirements for equipment increased severalfold. Electronic warfare systems, UAVs, and secure communications determine the success of operations and save the lives of our soldiers. We are thankful to Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front for its large-scale support of the corps: the scale of this assistance makes it possible to meet significant operational needs. For us, it is important to see a business that assumes responsibility and understands the realities faced by Ukraine's defenders today," said Ivan IHNATIEV, Deputy Commander of the Army Corps for Logistics. 

According to the military, it is crucial for defenders to see a responsible stance from businesses that understand the real challenges faced by the Defence Forces of Ukraine. 

Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front is a defence initiative that consolidates support from all SCM businesses for the Defence Forces of Ukraine, with Metinvest Group serving as the key production and logistics hub. As part of the project, the company not only procures various means of equipment, but also manufactures critically important products from its own steel, including mobile steel shelters ("kryivka"), anti-mine trawls, and protective screens for armoured vehicles. The total amount allocated by Rinat Akhmetov to support the military and civilians since the start of the full-scale invasion amounts to UAH 12.8 billion.