Their loyalty to Ukraine is evident every day, both in combat zones and within the Metinvest Group's companies. Veterans who have survived the horrors of battle are now contributing through their peaceful employment. These brave individuals – men and women – are currently defending us and dream of rejoining their original workshops post-victory. To commemorate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, we compiled stories from our active-duty colleagues – extraordinary, uplifting, and direct evidence of the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit.
Serhii Ilyin’s Sudden War
In February 2022, Serhii Ilyin, an electrician at the Networks and Substations Shop of Northern Iron Ore was serving his mandatory military duty. Before that, he had successfully completed his master’s degree with honors and worked his first year at the enterprise. He met the full-scale invasion with a weapon in hand: he helped liberate Kharkiv and took part in the battles for Soledar and Bakhmut.
On the morning of 24 February, we went to the outskirts of Kharkiv near Feldman Ecopark, took up positions, and entered our first battles. We worked alongside Khartiia, the rapid response brigade of the National Guard. That was the first time drones were used. I saw the lads hitting enemy tanks with precision. Next to us were the 91st, 93rd, and 96th brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Near Soledar, Serhii sustained injuries and was subsequently released from military duty in August 2023 because of his health. Upon his recovery, he quickly resumed employment at Northern Iron Ore. During his leisure hours, he works alongside HR professionals to develop the framework for a mining veterans’ group.
Oleksandr TSYHANKO’s Road to Victory
Oleksandr is an experienced combatant. His initial military engagement to defend Ukraine occurred during the ATO and JFO campaigns. Naturally, he acted without delay when russia initiated its full-scale invasion.
On the very first day of the war, 24 February, I was already at the military unit. Together with my fellow soldiers, we defended Donetsk region: the first point was Vuhledar, then Bakhmut, where we entered the city twice on combat missions. The last place of service was Avdiivka, almost one and a half years on the defence of the city.
Near Avdiivka, Oleksandr suffered a severe injury damage to his cervical vertebrae. This necessitated surgery, an extended and painful recovery, and medical directives to avoid any physical exertion.
Metinvest assisted him in discovering a new profession: acting on friends' advice, Oleksandr started working at Zaporizhstal, where he is now employed as a driver. Within the welcoming team of the transport department, the defender found understanding and support and he is truly content that, even after his injury, he can still contribute to Ukraine's path toward victory.
Technical Wonders of FIX
From honors student and ecologist, he has transitioned to the lead pilot of the EnedgyDAR combat crew. Known by the call sign "Fix," this defender from Zaporizhstal poses a significant threat to hostile machinery. Just recently, he and his fellow soldiers successfully hit their first Russian “Grad” rocket launcher.
Having been in service for 1.5 years, I can confidently say: Destroying such a target is not an accidental success of one person, but a well-coordinated work of the whole team. I know exactly what we're here for and why it's important: Each such destroyed system is a saved life. The more enemy resources are destroyed, the more protected our homes, our people, and our cities will be. The occupiers have no place in Ukraine – this is our land and we defend it.
Intelligent, meticulous, and considerate, the defender directs his full capability toward combating the invaders. Recently, Fix and his team greatly extended the working distance of their drones, enabling deeper penetration into enemy territory and more efficient destruction of hostile equipment.
From the first days of my service, colleagues helped and supported me: foods, medicines, a sleeping bag and much more were sent. And now we are in touch: they worry, ask how things are doing, how they can help, congratulate me on important dates and birthdays. Such indifference warms the soul.
The Secret to Denys SAVENKOV’s Success
For approximately eighteen months, the Zaporizhkoks expert was part of the 'gods of war' – the Ukrainian artillery. He operated as a howitzer gunner. Denys was presented with the Orders 'For Courage' and the 'Steel Cross,' along with the 'Defender of the Fatherland' medal. Nevertheless, his military career concluded abruptly when an enemy shell landed only ten meters from the cannon. With injuries to his back and arm, the defender was forced to return to Zaporizhzhia for recovery.
Metinvest supported me both morally and financially right after I sustained these wounds. I was undergoing medical treatment for a long time and then I gradually began to build plans for the future. I was offered the chance to return to my previous workplace and enter Metinvest Polytechnic on preferential terms. I decided for myself that this is exactly what I will do.
Denys Savenkov has resumed his duties at the company. He occupies a key role as a coke oven gas operator, is adjusting rapidly to civilian life, and willingly shares his successful recovery journey to fellow veterans.
The key to success is the support of your relatives and team during the adaptation to civilian life. Nobody understands you better than they do. They are also ready to help you at any time. My advice to others who returned from the war is not to close yourself off from people, but to surround yourself with loved ones and move forward.
Serhii MARTYNENKO’s Steel Loyalty
His demanding past as a trackman equipped him for the physical demands of combat, yet it was the psychological scars that proved most profound. He mournfully remembers his fellow soldiers who perished for Ukraine and now contributes to his nation's well-being through civilian work at Northern Iron Ore.
Through mental health support, education at Metinvest Polytechnic, and the backing of his relatives and workplace colleagues, he remains steadfast and steadily works towards achieving victory.
The more you work among people, the less likely you are to get stuck in thoughts about the war. It's easier to switch. Work issues absorb – and where have those difficult memories and doubts gone?.. Everyone met me at work! My boss, heads of services, colleagues. And while I was at the war, they often called me, were interested, worried, waited... All this is highly motivating.
Even after all he's been through, and with ambitious plans for a civilian life, Serhii remains ready to return to the front lines if duty calls.
I have now been demobilized for family reasons, but if necessary, I will go again to the war with no doubt, I am ready. This is my duty as a man, citizen, father... I will not stand aside. When your sworn brothers are killed, you need to help. Much more important things are at stake. Life and freedom of the nation. These are not empty words for me.
A Gift for Comrades from Ihor MELNYCHENKO
Ihor Melnychenko courageously endured the trials of combat and the daily struggles on the front lines, acting as a commander and a dedicated defender of Ukraine. Today, he holds a position in the railway workshop at Central Iron Ore. Nevertheless, he still manages to assist his fellow soldiers even in his civilian role.
When Volyna (Serhii Volynskyi) visited, I paid close attention to what he said – that it’s possible to support your own units. So I submitted a request, and my comrades actually received very expensive equipment. I know what ‘eyes in the sky’ mean, what aero reconnaissance is, how much it all costs – and here, they gifted us ‘Mavics’ just based on a request… Then I submitted another request for a different comrade… And that tip of mine spread to other plants, to colleagues I talk to… In total, we submitted six or seven such requests for aid.
War, Sports, and Medals – Oleksii KRAVETS
A dedicated strongman from Central Iron Ore was on the verge of achieving the Master of Sport title in March 2022. However, the war started, prompting him to join the assault forces to protect Ukraine against its aggressors.
While serving, he sustained a severe back injury, leading to his discharge on medical grounds. Following multiple surgical procedures, he recuperated, went back to Central Iron Ore, and resumed his sport trainings. Just recently, he won three medals at the 'Strong Ukraine' national tournament for veterans.
I participated in the Paralympic category. My main focus was on the bench press, the discipline I train most, and I succeeded by winning the gold medal. I also tried out the air bike, a type of equipment I had never used previously. It functions on the principle of air resistance for high-intensity training. My objective was to burn 30 kilocalories in the shortest time possible, for which I earned a silver medal. The third competition I entered was the seated kettlebell press with a 16 kg weight, where I placed third. It was a fantastic experience and a strong incentive to keep progressing. I was thrilled to meet Ukraine’s most famous strongmen – Vasyl Virastyuk and Serhii Koniushok. They were down-to-earth and very friendly, and I now have photos with them.
Anatolii KOSTIUK’s Core Principle
Having fought in the most dangerous areas of the Donetsk region, this courageous soldier joined Zaporizhstal to bolster Ukraine's economy. He previously served in Vuhledar, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka, and now successfully carries out production tasks in the plant’s water supply shop.
In the country fighting for its survival, no one should stay on the sidelines when it comes to our common goal. Today, people must either fight or do everything they can to support those who are fighting – by working. Only through our shared efforts can we secure a free and dignified future for our country. This is my principle, and I’ve never betrayed it in my life.
A job at a Metinvest company was chose following the recommendation of a friend who had been a strong supporter during his time on the front line.
Steel Support from Metinvest
Metinvest Group has developed a comprehensive ecosystem to support defenders and veterans.
FIGURE
Since the beginning of the war, more than 10,500 staff members have served in Ukraine's Armed Forces. Currently, 8,000 are still deployed, with another 1,000 having already returned to their roles at the company.
The Group offers continuous assistance to our service members from the moment they join the Defense Forces – through Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative, they are provided with equipment, protective gear, and essential equipment. For instance, over 800 steel shelters offer protection to frontline defenders, and two modern underground hospitals operate around the clock to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
Moreover, the company has manufactured over 300 anti-drone screens for military equipment and supplied steel for the production of 225 buggies for the Operational Command South.
FIGURE
During the full-scale war, Metinvest has allocated more than UAH 5.2 billion to aid the armed forces.
The Company regularly provides assistance to injured service members for their medical care, prosthetics, and further rehabilitation. Additionally, the “Free Waves” program, supported by Metinvest and active in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske, offers complimentary swimming-based rehabilitation for combatants.
To address and meet the need of veterans, the “Speak Up. Veteran” open discussion forum is active in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih, facilitating connections between veterans and cross-disciplinary professionals. Additionally, the “Veteran PRO. Zaporizhzhia” space open its door in May 2025, offering services from specialists at the Administrative Services Center, Pension Fund, Employment Center, as well as lawyers and psychologists.
Defenders returning to civilian life can always count on stable employment, decent pay, and quality education from Metinvest Polytechnic. To ensure a smooth adaptation period, enterprises have implemented a consistent reintegration system based on principles of responsibility, systematic approach, and internal fairness.
Our gratitude goes out to everyone in the military defending our homeland; we believe these individuals will be the driving force for Ukraine's reconstruction after its victory. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our colleagues back to Metinvest Group, having prepared all necessary measures for their support, safety, and a confident future in a free country.
