The country’s largest private investor, SCM, owned by Rinat Akhmetov, is launching a global communications initiative calling on international businesses to invest in Ukraine today, without waiting for the war to end. As part of the initiative, FC Shakhtar will take to the pitch in the main stage of the 2026/27 Champions League wearing shirts featuring the call – “Invest in Ukraine”.

The main stage of the Champions League is one of the world’s most prominent sporting platforms, attracting one of the largest audiences worldwide. The club will play at least eight matches against Europe’s leading clubs, while the Ukrainian champions will host their home games in London, one of the world’s leading financial centres.

The initiative’s core message is that Ukraine’s economic recovery cannot wait until the war is over. Through their own example, SCM and its owner, Rinat Akhmetov, are demonstrating that Ukraine is a country worth investing in and that investment should not wait. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, SCM companies have invested more than $4 billion in Ukraine, including $1 billion allocated to the urgent restoration of facilities destroyed by russia. 

At the same time, SCM companies continue not only to rebuild what has been lost, but also to launch new projects and attract international partners to support them. In the energy sector, DTEK is developing new generation capacity and working with global technology and financial partners. Metinvest continues to modernise its operations, develop new industrial solutions, including equipment designed to protect people from shelling, and integrate Ukrainian businesses into European supply chains.

Natalia YEMCHENKO, SCM Communications Director:

“Ukraine’s reconstruction cannot be a matter for some uncertain future. As a business, we understand this clearly. That is why we continue to invest actively. We are not only rebuilding, but also creating new, modern assets, including state-of-the-art power generation capacity. We want to send a very clear message to international investors: the time to invest in Ukraine is now. We are ready not only to lead by example, but also to help guide others on that journey. Because we want Ukraine, as our shareholder Rinat Akhmetov has said, to be a free, independent and prosperous country." 

Serhii PALKIN, CEO of FC Shakhtar:

“From the very first days of the invasion, the club clearly understood its role in representing Ukraine and advocating for its interests across Europe and around the world. Football diplomacy has been an important part of our mission since 2022. We not only represent our country, but also continually draw attention to the war in Ukraine, the needs of the Ukrainian people, and their courage and resilience. I am confident that everyone at the club, from its management to its players, understands that they step onto the pitch not only to play the game, but also to ensure that our message is heard.”