Zaporizhstal's employee defended Ukraine on the front line for more than two years.
A lot of Ukrainians volunteered to defend Ukraine after the full-scale invasion began. Zaporizhstal's employees are no exception: after the full-scale invasion, more than 1,100 steel workers joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. More than 180 professionals have returned to civilian life and work at the enterprise already, and another 14 veterans have joined the workforce of the steelworks for the first time after leaving service. They are welcome here and get all the necessary assistance.
In addition, the steelworks has a veteran adaptation programme in place. It's not just about medical and psychological care. The strategy also includes preparing managers and teams for the return of veterans. Employees with combat experience are offered retraining programmes and mentoring. In addition, it is planned to set up an association and a space for veterans.
From front line to workplace
Hryhorii Klymchuk has been working at Zaporizhstal for more than 30 years as an assembler. He left his job at the steelworks and volunteered to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the first days of the full-scale invasion.
"The first days were quite hectic, but I clearly remember my desire to go and personally defend the Ukrainian people, my family and relatives. There was no doubt about it, so in a few weeks I was in the Donetsk sector, holding back the occupiers' assault side by side with my fellow soldiers in particular, from Zaporizhstal. Many of them gave their lives for freedom and justice, for the independence of future generations of free Ukrainians," Hryhorii recalls.
For two years, Hryhorii defended his homeland as an assistant grenade launcher, fighting in battles with Russian invaders in the hardest places, including the border of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
"I got several contusions while performing combat missions. The lads I greeted in the morning came under enemy fire and remained on the battlefield forever," says the Zaporizhstal employees.
The veteran's brother, Serhii Klymchuk, joined the military a few months after Hryhorii. Both men used to work in the environmental department at Zaporizhstal. Currently, Serhii continues to perform combat missions as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and his brother, family and team are waiting for him to come back.
"The steelworks is implementing interesting programmes for veterans, one can return to civilian life with the support of colleagues and friends. That's why I didn't think about changing my job after leaving military service - I knew they were waiting for me here," Hryhorii adds.
