As part of Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative Metinvest Group sent artillery mortar tripods and bulletproof vests to the defenders of Bakhmut. 

There is a fierce battle for every inch of Ukrainian land at the frontline, so the units are in constant need of equipment to fight. Metinvest recently delivered ten mortar tripods to the defenders of Bakhmut. The soldiers will receive another 20 tripods by the end of January. The company also sent 100 bulletproof vests to the military. The combat and protective gear is provided under Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative.

The soldiers assure that the equipment is extremely necessary and timely as the city is undergoing hot fighting. 

– After each incoming strike, body armor, weapons, and tripods are cut by shell fragments, so they often become "unfit" for further service. That is why it is very important to receive new gear in time, so as not to stop for a moment and move forward in the fight for our Ukraine," a serviceman of the AFU with a call sign Boroda says.

Bulletproof vests of the 4+ protection class have already proven their reliability in combat. More than 150,000 bulletproof vests manufactured or purchased by Metinvest Group protect the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. Like the armor, the tripods are also made of Metinvest steel at the company's facilities.

– We are grateful for these bulletproof vests, which will save the lives of soldiers on the front line in Bakhmut. These tripods are also on their way to Bakhmut. I want everyone to know that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are not retreating a single step, they are fighting. Our extreme frontline is 500 meters away from the enemy, adjusting fire and preventing the occupiers from getting closer. We are not giving up our positions, we are resisting the enemies on our own land," the soldier with the call sign Boroda says.

As a reminder, Metinvest Group has allocated UAH 1.5 billion to the army as part of the Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative. The company also set up a systematic supply of essential items to the front. Metinvest's support is crucial and includes drones, gear, thermal imaging cameras, vehicles, mobile shelters and cars. Ukrainian defenders have been receiving them since the first days of the full-scale war.