After returning from the front line, Anatolii Kostiuk joined Zaporizhstal and continues to hold the line – this time on the economic front.
Anatolii Kostiuk has been working in the water supply shop at Zaporizhstal for nearly a year. A former career military member, he later ran a business, and when the full-scale invasion began, he went back to serve in some of the hottest areas in the Donetsk region.
"Since the beginning of the full-scale war, I served as deputy commander for armament in an infantry battalion in the 53rd Separate Mechanised Brigade named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh. I carried out combat missions in Vuhledar, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka," recalls Anatolii.
During his service, he received a lot of support from his comrade Serhii Hryliov, an employee at Zaporizhstal’s water supply shop. Serhii helped supply Anatolii with essential items – sleeping bags, backpacks, and warm uniforms for IFV crews.
"It was a big help – I’m truly grateful to my friend, to the shop’s team, and to the plant’s management for helping to procure everything needed for my comrades-in-arms. I remember thinking at the time, "It’s great that Zaporizhstal supports its people. If I survive, I’ll go work there!"" Anatolii laughs. "My father worked at the steelworks his entire life, and my brother at Zaporizhcoke. These enterprises carry on the tradition of support and solidarity. That means a lot – especially in such difficult times," says Anatolii KOSTIUK.
In November 2023, Anatolii was discharged from military service. Once back to civilian life, he began searching for a job – and it was his friend from Zaporizhstal who suggested joining the water supply shop.
"Since the beginning of the war, the shop has faced crew staffing challenges – many of the guys are serving in the army, and some have left Zaporizhzhia. As part of the "Bring a Friend" programme, I suggested Anatolii try his hand at this job. With his extensive experience, technical knowledge, and people skills, he’s doing an excellent job. Having someone so reliable and responsible on the team is worth its weight in gold," says Serhii HRYLIOV, department head at Zaporizhstal's water supply shop.
Anatolii's adaptation at the new workplace was quick and comfortable thanks to war veteran adaptation programme available at Metinvest's facilities. The Zaporizhstal employee sees his job as a way to support both the economy and the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"In the country fighting for its survival, no one should stay on the sidelines when it comes to our common goal. Today, people must either fight or do everything they can to support those who are fighting – by working. Only through our shared efforts can we secure a free and dignified future for our country. That’s the principle I live by," stresses Anatolii Kostiuk.
Over 300 war veterans have returned to work at Metinvest's Zaporizhzhia enterprises. The company has created an ecosystem at its enterprises to help military personnel reintegrate into civilian life, assist their families, and more.
