After returning from the war, the path to civilian life for each veteran consists of many steps – both small and significant. Metinvest Group provides systematic support to its veterans along this journey. In particular, for 14 employees from Ukraine, participation in races within the international half marathon La Mezza di Genova, held on 18–19 April in Genoa, Italy, became one such step towards recovery.

La Mezza di Genova is held annually in April and brings together thousands of participants from different countries in Genoa. Metinvest employees have traditionally participated in the event, and in recent years the sporting event in Genoa has become part of a support programme for veterans returning to work at the company after completing their military service.

The races take place over distances of 21, 13, and 3 kilometres. Metinvest has served as the title sponsor of the 13-kilometre Corri Genova race since 2019.

This year, 14 Metinvest veterans travelled to Italy – from the company’s mining and processing plants in Kryvyi Rih, Kamet Steel, Zaporizhstal, Zaporizhzhia Refractories, Metinvest Machinery, and Metinvest-SMC. The company had provided them with a four-day stay in Italy. In addition to taking part in the races, the veterans visited the Metinvest Trametal plant in San Giorgio di Nogaro, went on excursions in Genoa and Verona, and engaged with the Ukrainian diaspora.

A meaningful experience and personal achievements

As part of La Mezza di Genova, the veterans took part in the 3-kilometre race.

“It was pleasant and engaging to run those three kilometres: sunny weather, a beautiful historic city with impressive architecture, and mountains. There were many participants, with both adults and children taking part,” recalls Vadym BOLDYRIEV, a manual moulding operator at Metinvest Machinery.

“Although I am currently using a prosthesis, I decided that I absolutely had to complete the 3-kilometre distance,” says Dmytro KOVALICHKO, a foreman responsible for the movement of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products at the Railway Transport Department of Kamet Steel. “I wasn’t running – I was walking at my own pace, but the feeling of being in formation, side by side with your brothers-in-arm, is an incredible surge of energy.”

At the same time, Serhii PAVLOV, a heavy vehicle driver at Inhulets Iron Ore, also completed the 13-kilometre distance. This became a significant personal achievement for him.

"For me, 13 kilometres is something I’ve never done before. Both distances felt quite different, but it’s not about the kilometres. At events like these, you see that after returning from the front you haven’t been forgotten, that you’re still in the ranks and remain part of your company,” Serhii shared his impressions.

Among those who understand

In addition to the sporting events, the trip provided an opportunity for genuine, heartfelt communication among the veterans.

For Oleksii KRAVETS, a dispatcher at the Kolachevskyi Mine of Central Iron Ore, the most valuable thing was the human connection itself:

“The most memorable thing for me is that we came together like brothers, with all our injuries and inner struggles. We started talking, sharing our experiences, and supporting one another. Everyone has their own state and their own path. Through this openness, conversations and mutual support, we gradually recover and move forward."

For many veterans, the trip offered a chance to change their pace.

“Adaptation isn’t easy. And, to be honest, the state system cannot always provide all the necessary support to veterans,” admits Viktor POLISHCHUK, a maintenance mechanic at Central Iron Ore's open pit mine.

At the same time, he emphasises the role of the company:

“Metinvest gives a sense of moral balance. You step back a little from everything, relax, and start to feel like yourself again. I really enjoyed the trip – the city, the atmosphere, and the communication. These were incredibly emotional days that will stay with me for a long time."

Professional exchange and new perspectives

The programme also included a visit to Metinvest Trametal in San Giorgio di Nogaro. There, the Ukrainian delegation spoke with their Italian colleagues, and the plant’s director, Marco Carrara, guided the guests from Ukraine through all stages of the production process.

For Yurii VOSTRUKHIN, a controller in ferrous metal production at the open-hearth shop of Zaporizhstal, this visit held particular professional significance:

“I’ve long wanted to see this plant in person. When it happened, that was what impressed me the most. Everything related to Metinvest is done to a high standard – the conditions, the people, and the overall approach."

“In many ways, Metinvest Trametal reminded me of Kamet Steel – the same scale, order, and professionalism. It feels like we’re one big family, no matter where we work,” noted Dmytro KOVALICHKO.

For Volodymyr ZOLOTARIOV, head of a vehicle column at the transport workshop of Northern Iron Ore, the trip was also important from a human perspective:

“This is about new connections and communication, and at the same time a kind of reset. When you see how people live and work in other countries, it changes the way you look at both your work and your life. New impressions, motivation, and a clearer understanding of what to strive for begin to emerge.”

An important emotional moment was the meeting with the Ukrainian diaspora community “Pokrova” in Genoa, which created a strong sense of unity and showed that close ties between Ukrainians endure even far from home. Symbolically, the guests were treated to Ukrainian borshch and Italian pizza. As Vadym Boldyriev noted, it was important for him to hear from a priest from the diaspora that the community supports Ukraine and regularly raises and sends aid there.

“The meeting with our diaspora moved me deeply,” admits Dmytro KOVALICHKO. “When, thousands of kilometres from home, you hear your native language and see such genuine support, you understand what we are standing for. Genoa, in general, captivated me with its beauty, but above all, it was the people and the communication that mattered most. Thank you, the company, for the opportunity to reset and feel confident in my abilities again!"

"The trip was very intense – we managed to experience a great deal in just a few days,” recalls Oleksandr PANCHENKO, Head of the Automation Department at Zaporizhstal. “I especially remember the visit to the Italian plant and the genuinely warm welcome from our colleagues – it felt informal and truly human. We prepared for the race together as a team. Within the Metinvest veterans’ community, we always keep in touch and support one another, so here too there was a real sense of having a shoulder beside you. The 3 km race in Genoa itself was special – not just about the distance, but about unity and support. Overall, the trip offered a chance to step away from everyday challenges for a while, while at the same time we never forgot about home. Every day, we honoured the memory of fallen Ukrainians with a minute of silence, followed the news, stayed in touch with what was happening at our plants, and supported our colleagues as much as we could. I returned to work with renewed energy and positive emotions. Yes, there’s a lot of work at the moment, but I don’t regret going for a second. We covered this distance together as a team, shared powerful moments that will stay with us for a long time. I sincerely thank the company for its care, support for veterans, and for such meaningful and uplifting initiatives."

Kostiantyn MATLAI, a specialist in recruitment, training and personnel development at Zaporizhstal, also did not hide his emotions: 

“For me, this trip was truly special. I was flying on a plane for the first time in my life – and that alone was a powerful, vivid experience that’s hard to put into words. And also the opportunity to see another country with my own eyes, observe how people live, communicate, and draw energy from their spirit and openness. At the La Mezza di Genova event itself, there was an incredible atmosphere – full of positivity, support, and a true sporting spirit. It was very valuable to go through these moments together with colleagues and share the joy of taking part in the race. What stood out in particular was the warm welcome, the hospitality from our colleagues, and the excursions – all of this came together into a complete and powerful experience that will certainly stay with me for a long time. I’m grateful for this opportunity. Such events don’t just bring emotions – they give you the strength to move forward, with renewed energy and a different state of mind."

Part of a long journey of return

The visit to Italy, which included taking part in a sporting event, touring a Group facility, and engaging with colleagues, is part of a broader system of support and reintegration for veterans at Metinvest. It covers employment, retraining opportunities, psychological support, and long-term adaptation programmes.

As Iryna KONSTANTYNOVSKA, HR Director of Metinvest Trametal and Ferriera Valsider, noted:

"Metinvest is proud to support initiatives that strengthen a sense of belonging. Sport, health and community are not abstract values, but practical tools that help people recover and move forward. Our responsibility goes beyond business – it is about supporting our people and our communities.”

Indeed, for the veterans, this experience went far beyond sport or travel. It became an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, the profession, and oneself – and to take another step towards civilian life.