Oleksandr Tsyhanok went through a long and difficult journey back to civilian life. On the advice of friends, he took a job at Zaporizhstal.
He defended Ukraine in the ATO and JFO zones, then had a short break in civilian life, which was interrupted by the full-scale invasion.
"On the very first day of the war, 24 February, I was already at the military unit. Together with my fellow soldiers, we defended Donetsk region: the first point was Vuhledar, then Bakhmut, where we entered the city twice on combat missions. The last place of service was Avdiivka, almost one and a half years on the defence of the city," said Oleksandr.
It was near Avdiivka that he suffered a serious injury – damage to the cervical vertebrae. Ahead lay long treatment and rehabilitation.
"The treatment was long. After the operations, I underwent rehabilitation twice more in sanatoria, working with physiotherapists. Once I had recovered a little, I decided that I needed to find work, to do something useful – if not at the front, then for the front. So, on the advice of friends, I got a job at Zaporizhstal," said the veteran.
Oleksandr joined the plant's team four months ago. He works as a driver in Zaporizhstal's motor transport department. He says the team welcomed him warmly and with respect. His colleagues helped him adapt to the working rhythm of the steelworkers.
"It is very important that Zaporizhstal provides opportunities for the employment of veterans. That even after severe injuries, with restrictions on physical activity, veterans can find work here, be among people, and remain engaged. And beyond stable work, they can find good colleagues and support," added Oleksandr Tsyhanok.
For reference, at Zaporizhstal, as at other Metinvest enterprises, the "Path of the Hero" programme is in place. It was created for demobilised employees and those who, after service, decided to begin a career in metallurgy. The programme provides extended medical insurance, the opportunity to learn a new profession, and higher education on preferential terms, as well as rehabilitation and recovery programmes. More than 1,000 defenders have already returned to work at the enterprises, including over 300 veterans employed in Zaporizhzhia.
