Serhii Ilin, an electrician for relay protection maintenance in the networks and substations shop at Metinvest Northern Iron Ore, draws on his combat experience while striving to grow professionally and to establish a veterans' community at the enterprise to support one another.
Serhii Ilin's career at Northern Iron Ore began five years ago, in August 2020. Until then, his life had followed a textbook path. He was born in Kryvyi Rih and lived in 44th Quarter. Serhii was raised in a family typical of the city, with ties to the mining industry. After graduation from school, he continued his studies at Kryvyi Rih National University, in the Faculty of Electrical Engineerin. He trained for work in automated electric drives, industrial process automation, and the electrification of mining operations. He graduated with honours from his master's programme and received his first job in the networks and substations shop at Northern Iron Ore. His colleagues welcomed the capable young man warmly, immediately involved him in the work, supported him, and immersed him in the production atmosphere. A year later, in November 2021, Serhii was called up for military service.
From conscript to combat soldier
He served in the National Guard of Ukraine in Kharkiv. At that time, tension and the threat from Russia were already noticeable. It became clear that conflict was unavoidable, but no one could imagine the scale of what was to come.
"I remember it was very tense, with a sense of inevitability and danger. Moreover, Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address at the Munich Security Conference on 19 February made it clear that Russia intended to attack. But no matter how prepared a person may be, either morally or professionally, one can never be fully ready for war. On the morning of 24 February, we went to the outskirts of Kharkiv near Feldman Ecopark, took up positions, and entered our first battles. We worked alongside Khartiia, the rapid response brigade of the National Guard. That was the first time drones were used. I saw the lads hitting enemy tanks with precision. Next to us were the 91st, 93rd, and 96th brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said Serhii Ilin.
At the start of the war, conscripts – who were not supposed to take part in active combat – fought shoulder to shoulder with mobilised fighters. As a result, Serhii and his comrades had to go through street battles in Kharkiv, the fighting for Piatykhatky, the liberation of Kharkiv region, the advance towards Luhansk and Donetsk, and the battles for Soledar and Bakhmut.
"I had several roles during the war. I was a machine gunner, a rifleman, a grenadier, and an assistant grenadier. Today the army tries to train people as broadly as possible in different kinds of weapons. I started with the rank of private, and before Soledar I was promoted to senior private, which is the highest rank for conscripts."
Near Soledar, he sustained a shrapnel wound and a barotrauma when an enemy mortar shell exploded in front of him. He was treated first in Kramatorsk and then transferred to Izium hospital for recovery. After recovery, Serhii returned to the army. By then, however, conscripts were being moved to western regions of Ukraine. He was sent to Rivne, where he managed to collect the necessary documents regarding his injury. In August 2023, following a medical board’s conclusion, he was discharged from service on health grounds. Ahead lay the return to civilian life and work.
Defender has a wide meaning
Northern Iron Ore preserved Serhii Ilin's workplace. Therefore, after defending the country at the front, he returned to protect electrical equipment. He works as an electrician for relay protection maintenance in the networks and substations shop. His job involves high-voltage switchgear of 6 kV and above, which powers pumps, fans, and other essential production equipment. This work demands deep technical knowledge and experience. As at other enterprises of the company, Northern Iron Ore currently faces a serious shortage of qualified workers. Part of the team is at the front, some have left the country, and younger employees still lack practical skills. Therefore, experienced workers must handle a heavier workload. Nevertheless, the shop atmosphere is friendly and supportive, and Serhii enjoys coming to work.
"I do not have much free time. However, when I do, I like to spend it with friends discussing current issues. I am interested in information technology and e-sports. I also have an idea to create a veterans' community at the enterprise. At the moment, I am considering the format and consulting HR specialists. If we meet in person, we will need a space and some resources. For now, I propose creating a group in a chatbot, but the technical side of this needs to be resolved. We could share opinions, problems, and ways to address them, so as not to be left alone with them. This is especially important for veterans with disabilities, who must adapt to life with certain limitations. And not only veterans could be involved, but also other employees, because communication matters," said Serhii.
According to Serhii Ilin, the Ukrainian army endured because people joined who wanted to win. Today it is one of the strongest armies in the world and has significant experience in the use of drones. The veteran also emphasises the need to reform the Armed Forces Statute, as in his view some provisions are no longer relevant.
Recently, the active young veteran took part in another meeting held as part of the "Speak Up. Veteran" project, which has been running for over a year in Kryvyi Rih with the support of Metinvest and the City Defence Council. There he was able to talk with colleagues from the Northern, Ingulets, Central, and Southern Iron Ore Plants, exchange views, hear useful information, and make important contacts to continue working towards creating the community.
