According to Roman Matsiura, a Zaporizhstal worker turned soldier, protecting the nation entails more than just combat; it also requires reinforcing the home front.
Fifty-year-old Roman Matsiura, a native of Zaporizhzhia, had a long history of involvement with metallurgy, but he had always been ready to defend his homeland.
Roman recounts, "I completed my studies at a military department, was called to serve in 2015 for a year, and then released by presidential decree. I spent a considerable time working at Zaporizhstal. However, I realized an all-out invasion was unavoidable and that the military would require my service once more, so in 2021, I entered into a reservist contract, awaiting mobilization.
In 2016, he started working at the Zaporizhstal plant as an electrician in the steelmaking shop. At various times, both his mother and wife also worked at the plant.
“Our work at the Open Hearth Shop was dynamic and challenging, but we all understood its importance, so we worked in a coordinated and disciplined manner. Many of the skills I gained at the plant later proved useful in the military. Ultimately, the armed forces function much like a company, complete with a defined organization, objectives, and diverse specializations. And every individual strives for a common goal,” the defender observes.
Immediately upon leaving military service, Volodymyr returned to his job at the plant. Initially, due to health reasons, all physical exertion was strictly forbidden. Nonetheless, he was determined to get better and integrate back into civilian life. A vital component of his recovery was swimming, following the technique created by Olympic medalist Denys Sylantyev. Volodymyr became part of the Free Waves program, financed by Metinvest and the Zaporizhstal plant.
For a period, I prioritized improving my health, and once my physical condition permitted, I rejoined my colleagues at the hot rolling shop. It was genuinely moving to sense their anticipation and their true delight at my return," shares the Zaporizhstal worker.
A significant step in Volodymyr's journey back to a peaceful life was his ambition for professional growth. This year, he enrolled at Metinvest Polytechnic, the first non-state university for mining and metallurgy.
Roman was on his way to work when the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Despite the difficult situation and alarming news, he couldn't leave his colleagues or his responsibilities, so he finished his workday as usual. The very next day, he joined his military unit.
From that time until now, Roman Matsyura has been serving in the 110th Separate Brigade of the Khortytsia Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He is responsible for managing logistics. Throughout his tenure, he has performed operations in the Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. He has acquired considerable expertise, yet he chooses not to discuss his experiences in battle.
During my time in service here, I came to understand my grandfather, who had always declined to speak about his World War II experiences. Such events never truly leave you, yet they are not something one wishes to disclose. In war, I learned to keep bad memories separate, not letting them pass through me. I live in the here and now: a cup of coffee each morning, followed by service, and ideally, a call with my loved ones. This routine mirrors Groundhog Day, and I've made peace with it," the defender shares.
Roman considers his employment at Zaporizhstal important for himself and the nation, but currently asserts his position is with the military.
‘I stay in touch with my colleagues at Zaporizhstal. They’re doing important work for their families and for Ukraine. But I’ve decided that, for now, I’m more useful in the army, so I continue my fight here. That’s the key to our strength, we all work, on different fronts, but toward a common goal,’ Roman notes.”
There is something worth fighting for, the defender states.
Your career might change, and situations may evolve, but your nation and your loved ones remain steadfast. They are for a lifetime. This is worth fighting for. I think the first thing I’ll do after our victory is climb Hoverla with my family and friends.
Since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, one in seven Zaporizhstal employees has joined the armed forces. The plant equips its mobilized staff with protective gear, supports their units with technical equipment, aids their families, and anticipates the return of these courageous individuals. The plant has established a reintegration program for veterans, helping them adjust to civilian life and resume work after their military service. At present, over 350 workers who have endured the hardships of combat are employed at Zaporizhstal.
