Kamet-Steel's steel makers and coke chemical workers are courageous, strong and reliable people who are truly dedicated to their chosen profession. In a difficult time of the war, they devote their best qualities, energy and time to efficient work at production to support Ukraine's economy, combining it with the noble cause of volunteering, primarily to support our defenders.

Volodymyr Sharonin, a sulphur department operator, has been working in the desulphurisation shop for five years. He knows his job well and is responsible for performing his tasks to ensure the quality of the technological process in coke production. However, the most important question that the young man has been addressing for himself since 24 February 2022 is: "How and in what way can I be most useful for the defence of the country?" That's how, with the help of his friends, he chose his path – volunteering.

Since September 2023, Volodymyr has been a member of the Kholodnyi Yar 93 volunteer organisation, whose activities are aimed at helping and supporting soldiers, especially those of this famous brigade. The main task of the volunteer group, which Volodymyr Sharonin joined, is to repair and restore vehicles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The volunteers do not stand aside from the usual assistance – they collect and send medicines, spare parts, and components for drones and much more to military units – our defenders on the front line have many needs.

"I'm not a car mechanic, of course, but the vehicles needed to be repaired urgently, because the guys at the front line were waiting for them "yesterday", so every pair of hands was needed. At first, I worked as an auxiliary worker – to move something, provide tools, paint, but over the past months I have learnt something, and now I am trying to do more and better. We do it as for ourselves, and even better, because it is necessary for the soldiers where they risk their lives. With my help, we have already repaired and returned three vehicles to the frontline and sent several shipments of medicines and spare parts for drones. I want to do as much as possible for those who are defending us from the enemy today," says Volodymyr.

Our interlocutor is valued and respected in his production unit. Recently, on the occasion of Kamet-Steel's 135th anniversary, he was awarded a letter of appreciation from the company's administration for his personal contribution to volunteering, active citizenship and, of course, for his impeccable performance.

Volodymyr Sharonin also found his place in the volunteer team, where he was invited by a friend. In this friendly men's community, solving the task at hand is above all. The main principle of their work is to complete the work for the military as quickly and efficiently as possible. All the materials, spare parts, components, and parts are purchased at the expense of voluntary donations from Ukrainians, and if something is missing, they buy it themselves.

"Sometimes I see what equipment comes from the front line – it is completely broken, and we have to restore it almost completely. Our organisation is large, there are many of us all over Ukraine, but we still need people. And if someone does not understand why we are trying, I will say: the main reward is feedback from the front, a photo report on the help received and a sincere manly "thank you" from the defenders," the volunteer is sure.

Volodymyr's family also supports him: his young wife and little daughter know that all the time he spends volunteering is for Ukraine, for their protection and for the peaceful future of all Ukrainian children.

People in the shop also listen to Volodymyr Sharonin's stories about the noble cause and the volunteer organisation, and his colleagues are interested and willing to provide charitable support, and some are already seriously considering their own participation.