Veterans of Zaporizhstal and local volunteers are weaving camouflage nets for the front.
In Zaporizhzhia, daily and meticulous work continues for the sake of victory. Volunteers of the Under the Umbrella initiative have been producing camouflage nets for the military defending Ukraine on the frontline for several years. The centre has been operating since 2014 and is coordinated by experienced volunteer Kateryna VINICHENKO.
"Back in 2014, I set myself a task – to make universal, high-quality nets for our defenders. I saw what they were using, what problems they faced, what issues arose while they worked," Kateryna explains.
The nets are made using an original method developed by the coordinator herself. Camouflage materials are sent to various directions, including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, and even Kursk. Pensioners who once worked at leading Zaporizhzhia enterprises also take part.
"In 2025, the veterans' council of the Zaporizhstal plant joined us. We cooperate in every possible way: some weave, some fund our purchases, others help with transport. The factories responded to our requests, which is very encouraging," says Vinichenko.
Every day, around 50 volunteers come to the Under the Umbrella centres. Among them are former Zaporizhstal workers, such as Natalia, who spent 35 years at the plant and is now an active volunteer.
"After retiring, we started visiting the veterans' fund, and from there we came here to help the girls. Not every day, but every other day we come," she says.
According to Natalia, weaving the nets requires attention and patience, but thanks to experienced volunteers, newcomers learn quickly.
"They showed me how to weave the nets, tie knots, and cut fabric using stencils. I came and asked: what work is needed? Tie this, tie that – we sat down and did it. We are all masters here," she says with a smile.
Another participant in the volunteer initiative is Olena, who worked at Zaporizhstal for over 40 years. Now she helps at the centre whenever she can.
"We come and help as much as possible. At least something, at least some contribution," Olena says.
Although she does not yet weave nets, she takes part in preparatory work.
"I can cut fabric, make fringes, prepare materials for large nets," the volunteer explains.
Materials for making the nets are regularly supplied by Zaporizhzhia enterprises of the Metinvest Group, including Zaporizhstal. Thanks to this support, volunteers are able to produce about 3,000 square metres of camouflage each month. In addition to nets, they also make cloaks for scouts, helmet covers, and rucksack covers.
Kateryna Vinichenko highlights the resilience and dedication of the team:
"The people who have stayed with us are a true treasure. They work tirelessly, just as they did in 2022 and now in 2025. Many have remained by our side and work every single day – with no weekends, no holidays."
While defenders fight for Ukraine with weapons in their hands on the frontline, volunteers in Zaporizhzhia hold their own front every day – a quiet but vitally important one.
