From the first days of the war, the Zaporizhstal employee joined the ranks of The Armed Forces of Ukraine, and after demobilisation, he continues to work at the enterprise.
Valentyn Mikhov, Zaporizhstal BF Shop PCI area foreman, is an experienced process man who dedicated to the enterprise near 12 years. He started his career at the enterprise as a conveyor operator and bit by bit made his career path. However, the full-scale war made adjustments to his plans and goals. On 25 February 2022, the man volunteered to defend Ukraine.
"By that time, I already had three kids and had all the legal grounds for deferment and leaving abroad. But how could I? When the enemy was treacherously attacking, killing civilian Ukrainians, destroying people's lives, levelling our cities to the ground, rapidly approaching our homes, I could not stand aside. I provided my family with everything they needed, quickly arranged a shelter and food supplies, and went to the recruitment centre", Valentyn recalls.
Together with his comrades, Valentyn attained combat tasks with a rifle battalion in the Avdiivka and Orikhiv sectors. According to the defender, he felt a lot of support from his co-workers during his service.
"We were constantly in touch as much as possible. I shared my everyday life on the frontline, and they told me how Zaporizhstal goes and how they work. It was very supportive, gave me the strength to do what I have to do, gave me faith that I would return to work", the defender says.
Co-workers helped me by deed, not by word. At the very beginning of my service, Zaporizhstal provided me with protective gear. Youth organization of the enterprise also helped, Oleksii Mashchenko, volunteer from our shop, helped us by sending us various supplies that we needed, goodies, warm clothes and much more. These seem to be simple things, but they mean support, care and attention", Valentyn added.
The metallurgist defended Ukraine at the frontline for over a year. And now, after demobilisation, he is back in the steelworkers' team and continues to support the enterprise and economy of Ukrainian. Valentyn says: "Zaporizhstal helped me to adapt to civilian life, as it has programmes to support combat experienced employees. Psychological support, legal advice, physical rehabilitation and health improvement are just some of the areas covered by Metinvest's large-scale project for heroes returning from the frontline.
Of course, it took some time to get back to work. The enterprise gave me time for a little rehabilitation, and then I went back to shifts work. I read over the instructions, refreshed my skills, refreshed some forgotten knowledge, and got to work. I am very happy to be back among my co-workers who have become my second family. I am glad to be where they were waiting for me", Zaporizhstal employee said.
We also wrote that the "Free Waves" veterans rehabilitation project, launched by Olympic medallist Denys Sylantiev, continues in Zaporizhzhia. Currently, veterans and servicemen from Zaporizhzhia have the opportunity to join the project. The pilot project will last for three months and will involve 100 participants in the first stage. It should be noted that all classes are absolutely free for every veteran or serviceman. For more information on signing up for swimming lessons, please call 063 020 46 90.
Financial support for the "Free Waves" project in Zaporizhzhia is provided by Metinvest in coordination with Zaporizhstal and the NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action".
