Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of the Metinvest Group, held an online meeting with students and faculty of Metinvest Polytechnic University. The discussion focused on global industry challenges and Metinvest’s strategic priorities for the coming years. Ryzhenkov highlighted the vital role of Metinvest Polytechnic as one of Ukraine’s leading centres for engineering education, which not only prepares skilled professionals but also lays the foundation for restoring and modernising the country’s industry.
During the meeting, Ryzhenkov provided an overview of the current state of the mining and metallurgical sectors, pointing out that the steel and mining industries are facing significant challenges. Global demand for steel is expected to decline in 2024–2025, markets remain volatile, environmental standards are tightening, and in Ukraine, the war continues to exacerbate the situation.
Among the key challenges for 2024–2025, he identified energy shortages, debt repayment, rising logistics costs, transitioning to “green” metallurgy, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The company is actively working to find effective solutions for each of these issues. At the same time, Metinvest is doing everything it can to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
“Our mission is to support the military, build fortifications, and help our defenders stop the enemy’s advance,” RYZHENKOV emphasised.
Metinvest is addressing energy risks by seeking alternative energy sources and striving to stabilise production while adapting to new conditions and expanding its markets. The company’s strategic focus for the coming years is Ukraine’s recovery, with active involvement in reconstruction and rebuilding projects. To achieve these goals, Ukraine will need modern engineers capable of working effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
Focus on people and workforce development
Yuriy Ryzhenkov stressed that Metinvest’s top priority is its people. However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenge of a workforce shortage, which is why the company is heavily investing in education. In the long term, graduates of Metinvest Polytechnic will play a critical role in strengthening the company’s talent pool.
“Close collaboration between businesses and Metinvest Polytechnic not only helps address the shortage of skilled personnel but also actively develops the company’s human capital. Students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to solve the industry’s most complex challenges. Together, we are shaping a new generation of engineering leaders capable of driving progress in the recovery and modernisation of Ukrainian industry,” said the CEO.
Metinvest places particular focus on its veteran adaptation programme, which helps demobilised defenders successfully reintegrate into civilian life through education and professional development opportunities. The company expects to engage veterans as a critical human resource reserve by introducing specialised programmes that attract both veteran employees and new talent. Metinvest Polytechnic, in turn, offers veterans access to quality education, retraining opportunities, and support in finding their place in a new profession. This year alone, the university has enrolled 26 veterans as students.
Uniting efforts for future victory
Since the start of the full-scale war, Metinvest has been a reliable pillar of support for Ukraine, significantly increasing its tax contributions to the national budget. In the first nine months of 2024, the company paid more than UAH 15 billion in taxes, a 38% increase compared to the same period last year. This contribution is crucial for maintaining economic stability and ensuring the state’s functionality under extremely challenging conditions.
Yuriy Ryzhenkov stressed that achieving the shared goals of the company and the country requires collective effort and individual contributions from everyone. Metinvest’s primary priority remains strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities. The company continues to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), with total contributions now exceeding UAH 7 billion.
“The core mission of our company is to bolster the nation’s defence capabilities in every possible way – by being a reliable employer, investor, manufacturer of steel products for the front lines, and supplier of equipment and gear for the AFU. Only by working together can we build a solid foundation for Ukraine’s victory,” the CEO concluded.
The dedication and professionalism of every Metinvest employee and student are vital contributions to Ukraine’s future victory, reinforcing the home front and providing critical support to the armed forces.
Metinvest Polytechnic: Mission and strategic role
Since its establishment, Metinvest Polytechnic has been building its reputation as a leading technical university, training a new generation of engineers to address modern challenges and drive the sustainable development of key industries such as metallurgy, mining, computer technology, automation, occupational safety, environmental protection, and more. As Yuriy Ryzhenkov highlighted, the university plays an essential role in preparing engineers for Ukraine’s post-war recovery, cultivating leaders capable of driving innovation, advancing industry, and modernizing the economy to fulfill the country’s reconstruction objectives.
Today, Metinvest Polytechnic offers highly relevant educational programmes that integrate modern, business-validated approaches, practice-oriented learning, and – critically for Ukraine – the preservation of disrupted scientific and educational engineering traditions.
"The future of industry lies in new technologies, education, and science. At the centre of every transformation is an educated professional. Quality engineering education is only possible through collaboration between businesses and universities. This underscores the vital role of Metinvest Polytechnic, both now and in the long-term development strategy of the Metinvest Group and Ukraine’s industrial sector as a whole," said Yuriy Ryzhenkov.
The meeting with Metinvest’s CEO provided a platform for open dialogue with students and university staff about the current state of the industry and the challenges ahead.
As Oleksandr Povazhny, rector of Metinvest Polytechnic, remarked, the meeting was extremely valuable as it gave students the opportunity to hear directly about the industry’s condition and better understand the tasks they will face in their future careers.
"Metinvest Polytechnic, as a trusted partner of the business community, not only provides students with theoretical knowledge but also creates opportunities for its practical application. This ensures their future success and supports the sustainable development of Ukraine’s mining and metallurgical sector," added Oleksandr POVAZHNY.
