Recently, another meeting was held as part of the "Speak Up. Veteran" project, focusing on legal issues. The event brought together veterans from Integrated Iron Ore Plants and legal professionals from the Kryvyi Rih branch of the NGO "Defence of the State." The event was traditionally coordinated by the NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future." In Kryvyi Rih, the project has been implemented since 2024 at the initiative of Metinvest in cooperation with the City Defence Council.
Supporting colleagues who have returned from the front and resumed work at Metinvest's enterprises is now one of the key areas of the Company's veteran policy. To support them, the Company has introduced psychological and physical rehabilitation programmes, professional training programmes, and opportunities to acquire new specialisations. The Company also offers preferential terms for admission to Metinvest Polytechnic. Another communication platform for defenders was established two years ago through the "Speak Up. Veteran." Over that period, more than 700 defenders and their family members have joined the initiative.
"Today, thanks to veterans and fellow soldiers who are fighting for Ukraine on the front, we are able to work and support the economy of our country, our city, and our families. Since the first months of the war, Metinvest has systematically introduced programmes aimed at supporting and reintegrating veterans, taking into account best practices and international experience. One of the key initiatives is the 'Speak Up. Veteran' project. It is a platform where veterans can discuss pressing issues, share experiences, talk to young people, and find like-minded individuals. It is important that the project has remained relevant since its launch in 2024 and continues to attract more and more veterans," said Oleksandr SHULIKA, Head of the HR Department at Integrated Iron Ore Plants.
The eleventh meeting in the series was dedicated entirely to legal issues. Veterans identified this topic as one of the most important, as legal matters related to social benefits remain highly relevant to them. During the event, the representatives of NGO "Defence of the State" provided guidance on veterans' benefits, payments, paperwork, land and housing matters, and other legal issues faced by defenders.
"We have received a clear request from veterans regarding a specific set of issues. To support them, we prepared and printed information materials for each situation, including matters related to pensions, disability status, and other benefits. Here, it is important to understand the details and use the correct wording, particularly by indicating that a person participated in the defence of the country. This has an impact on the amount of financial assistance," explained Maryna KOVALYK, lawyer and Head of the Kryvyi Rih branch of the NGO "Defence of the State."
Such meetings are about more than just consultations. They provide an opportunity to navigate complex procedures, feel supported, and take another confident step towards a full return to civilian life, according to Vasyl MOTRUK, a veteran and employee of Metinvest Integrated Iron Ore Plants. He is a former serviceman of the 17th Tank Brigade and served as a senior combat medic. He carried out missions in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Donetsk areas. After demobilisation, he continued to work at one of Metinvest's enterprises.
Today, he actively supports other veterans, sharing his own experience and practical advice on progressing through various stages of reintegration.
The meeting with professional lawyers also attracted Oleksii Kravets, a regular participant in the "Speak Up. Veteran" project and an employee of Central Iron Ore. The veteran was interested in resolving legal issues and he also shared with colleagues who have combat experience an approach that helped him rehabilitate after returning from the front. For him, adaptive sports have proved to be a lifeline. Oleksii takes part in city and all-Ukrainian competitions and continues to develop in powerlifting.
"I received a great deal of useful information about obtaining disability status, as I have a severe injury. I had a general understanding of the process, but here I was given clear guidance on what steps to take to achieve the desired outcome. Meanwhile, I will continue my rehabilitation through sport. For me, it is a way not to give up, to cope with inner struggles, and distract myself from difficult thoughts. My companions on this journey are a barbell and a pair of dumbbells. And connecting with fellow veterans who share similar experiences is also part of this journey, especially when you travel to competitions," said Oleksii KRAVETS, an employee of Central Iron Ore.
During the meeting, veterans received individual consultations and were able to present their documents to the experts. They exchanged contact details with lawyers from the NGO "Defence of the State" and agreed to hold follow-up meetings. This format not only provides information about available support but also helps resolve specific issues here and now.
"I would like to thank our defenders for their engagement and interest in our joint meetings. Each time, we strive to select important topics by listening carefully to their views and needs. Following the discussion and a short survey, we once again saw that legal issues occupy an important place in veterans' lives after the war. That is why we invited experts who can provide guidance on each individual case. Overall, the NGO 'Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future' together with Metinvest and the City Defence Council organised 11 events. They have taken a variety of formats, ranging from panel discussions and themed meetings to active family events. Together with our partners, we plan to continue developing the project," said Olena LESHENKO, Director of the NGO "Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future."
