For the second time, we are celebrating the company's birthday amid a full-scale war. In early 2022, we had little time to recover from the initial shock. The company's sustainability is crucial, not just for our contribution to the budget and economic support for the country and its cities, but also because the wellbeing of thousands of families depends on Metinvest's resilience. That's why the company quickly shifted to a military footing. As part of Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front defence initiative, we have directed Ukrainian steel to bolster the country's defence capacity.
Previously, Metinvest employees produced metal for peaceful purposes. Now, they are forging Ukraine's victory with it. Today, almost 8,000 of our colleagues are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are proud and grateful to every one of the country’s defenders and we are eagerly awaiting their safe return home.
In coordination with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, we launched the Saving Lives humanitarian project. Over the past year, it has evolved into a significant social initiative that has helped nearly 500,000 people by providing food, essential items, medical supplies, psychological rehabilitation services and prosthetics.
We're grateful to our colleagues from the EU and the US who have joined charitable initiatives that are supporting Ukrainians. Metinvest's foreign operations have made a significant contribution to the company's overall sustainability. We have deepened relations with our overseas partners and, through the collaborative efforts of our employees around the world, proved that Metinvest is a united team, both in our work and in assisting those in need.
Indeed, our plants have sustained damage, but our faith remains unshaken. We are committed to defending Avdiivka and Ukrainian New York and to returning to Mariupol. We also intend to reclaim Ukrainian Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea. The aggressor must be held accountable for the damage inflicted on Ukraine, Ukrainian businesses, and every Ukrainian. Last year, Metinvest filed lawsuits against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights. We intend to pursue these lawsuits and recover all losses down to the last penny.
Yet, any physical structures can be rebuilt. What can't be replaced is human life. The death of every employee or family member is a profound tragedy for Metinvest. Today, nearly 1,500 employees and family members have been killed or injured. We experience the grief of each family deeply and provide them with comprehensive assistance.
The enemy is attempting to wear us down. Despite the pain of loss and fatigue, we press on. Victory is our primary goal, and afterwards, we will do everything in our power to rebuild Ukraine and make it even better. That's why the company is already implementing the Steel Dream concept. Sustainable construction of the housing sector and infrastructure will accelerate the country's restoration. We wholeheartedly support the involvement of international partners in Ukraine's global reconstruction.
With a focus on the future, we have launched the first non-governmental mining and metallurgical university, Metinvest Polytechnic. After the war, the country will be in dire need of top-level technical specialists.
We have journeyed a long way over our 17 years of history. However, I believe that Metinvest's most significant achievements are yet to come. We did not choose war, nor did we invite it into our homes. However, we did choose freedom. We are defending our independence today, and the decision of what Ukraine will become after victory is ours to make.
Happy Birthday to Metinvest, friends!
Sincerely, Yuriy Ryzhenkov CEO of Metinvest
