As part of its comprehensive veteran reintegration programme, Metinvest has been running its Veteran Camping initiative for the second consecutive year, helping Ukraine's defenders recover physically and psychologically. This summer, 13 employees from the company's Integrated Iron Ore Plants have already had the opportunity to rest and recover in the Poltava region.
Veterans returning to work at Metinvest after military service receive special attention and care. The company is creating an ecosystem where people with military experience are understood and respected, and where their needs for physical and mental recovery, as well as inclusion, are fully recognised. Today, 321 veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian war, including 38 veterans of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), have already returned to work at Metinvest Integrated Iron Ore Plants.
One of the dedicated initiatives developed by the company is the Veteran Camping programme, which this year is being held in the resort town of Myrhorod. During their ten-day stay, participants receive doctor-prescribed sanatorium treatment, including physiotherapy, massage, singlet oxygen therapy, aromatherapy, therapeutic showers, swimming pool sessions and other rehabilitation treatments.
Every day, veterans also take part in group sessions led by a professional psychologist. They discuss the challenges they face, learn how to manage and restore their emotional resources, and practise stress management techniques. Over tea or around the evening campfire, they spend time with fellow veterans, openly sharing stories about their families, work, hobbies and military experience.
Veteran Mykola HORBATENKO, an open-pit dump truck driver from Northern Iron Ore, spent two and a half years on the front line. He fought in Bakhmut, Andriivka and Klishchiivka before, following an injury, continuing his service on the Kharkiv front. An experienced electronic warfare (EW) operator, he successfully countered numerous enemy drones. Today, he is back with his family and has returned to his team in Mining and Transport Shop No. 1. He said:
"I really enjoyed Myrhorod, the Khorol River, the beautiful landscapes and the fresh air of the Poltava region. Personally, I wish we had had a little more time. We had only just got to know each other properly when it was already time to go home. Still, I managed to improve my health, attend the treatments and take my mind off everyday concerns.
According to most participants, the excursions and interactions with animals were among the most memorable experiences. The group of Kryvyi Rih miners visited the village of Dibrivka, home to one of Ukraine's oldest and largest trotting horse breeding centres. They also enjoyed a visit to the village of Vovnianka, famous for its goat farm, where they sampled artisan cheeses. Back at the sanatorium, a therapy dog brought warmth, companionship and positivity to the veterans.
"If I ever get the chance to visit Myrhorod again, I would say yes without hesitation," says veteran Viacheslav ZAVHORODIANSKYI, an electrical engineer from Central Iron Ore's open pit mine. "The kayaking trip down the Khorol River was absolutely incredible. It was not even part of the original programme – it was a wonderful surprise. I would also like to thank the chefs for the excellent meals. We even came home with new culinary skills after taking part in a pizza-making masterclass. And our psychologist was exceptional, helping us work through both family matters and post-combat challenges. I served in the 71st Separate Airmobile Brigade of the Air Assault Forces on the Zaporizhzhia front."
The many photographs taken during the trip will help preserve memories of the veterans' most emotional and enjoyable moments in the Poltava region. The group's unofficial photographer was Oleksandr Zhernokliov, a veteran and employee of the Veteran Support Office at Inhulets Iron Ore. The youngest member of the Kryvyi Rih delegation, Oleksandr previously served as a combat medic driver and was awarded the Presidential Order for Courage, Third Class, for his personal bravery.
Before the war, Oleksandr worked as an electrical mechanic in the open pit mine. Following serious combat injuries, he now helps fellow veterans adapt to civilian life. His main mission is to maintain close communication with veterans and their families while sharing his boundless optimism and encouragement.
Another group of Metinvest colleagues is now enjoying their own period of recovery and simple everyday pleasures in the picturesque and welcoming town of Myrhorod. By the end of the summer, a total of 50 veterans from Metinvest Integrated Iron Ore Plants will have completed physical and psychological rehabilitation fully funded by the company.
The Veteran Camping programme was launched in 2025 in partnership with the Heart of Azovstal project.
