More than 1,200 Zaporizhstal employees have joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Unfortunately, 60 courageous steel workers who defended Ukraine will never return to their families and colleagues. One of them is Bohdan ROTAN, an employee of the plant's hot rolling shop.

Bohdan Rotan, aged 50, joined the steelmaking team in the 2000s as a cold metal cutter at the hot rolling shop. With his vast experience, he often shared this expertise with newcomers and passed on his knowledge to the younger generation of rolling mill workers.

"I worked alongside Bohdan for over 13 years, and during that time, we never had any conflicts. He was a genuine and open-hearted person, always ready to lend a hand, offer support, and provide insightful advice – whether personal or professional," remembers Bohdan's colleague, foreman Yevhen YAROVYI. "By the way, Bohdan and I even had a shared hobby – phaleristics (the collection and study of award insignia) – which always gave us something to talk about."

Bohdan Rotan was also a devoted family man, raising three sons and often sharing with his colleagues about the hikes he took with them to Khortytsia.

That was until June 2022, when Bohdan rose to defend the country. Alongside his comrades-in-arms in the 53rd Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Bohdan fought in battles in the Sumy and Donetsk sectors.

"The entire team anxiously awaited Bohdan's return. We kept in touch and always did our best to support him, both emotionally and financially. We organised fundraisers and took care of urgent needs," says Yevhen YAROVYI.

The enterprise did not stand aside either. The steelworks provided Bohdan with protective gear and thermal underwear. The family was also taken care of: they received humanitarian aid from Zaporizhstal and sweet gifts for the children.

In September of last year, the soldier's life was cut short in a mortar attack in the Donetsk sector, near the village of New York. According to Bohdan's friends and family, he was initially reported missing, but later, the family received the devastating news.

"This is an irreplaceable loss for our team. Yet, Bohdan died as a true hero, fighting until the very end. Thanks to Bohdan, his comrades-in-arms, and all Ukrainian soldiers, we can continue working in Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia, on our native land. We will keep the memory of our brave colleague alive," says Yevhen YAROVYI.

Metinvest Group has created a memorial honouring the stories of fallen Ukrainian defenders who were part of the Metinvest team. You can find them at https://metinvest.media/ua/memorial.