Rinat Akhmetov`s Steel Front military initiative has joined the construction of 55 strongpoints with a total length more than 80 km in the Avdiivka, Kurakhove and Zaporizhzhia directions of combat zone. The construction of the first and second lines of defense intensified in December 2023 in coordination with Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and in cooperation with Engineer forces.
As a part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front initiative, SCM’s specialists worked 24/7 to build fortifications what will provide additional protection for hundreds of thousands of civilians and Ukrainians soldiers in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Up to 100 company specialists, including drivers, crane and excavator operators, worked alongside up to 25 units of various specialized equipment such as excavators, truck cranes, and large trucks in the construction of the protective structures.in addition to engaging and employees, Steel Front representatives carried out excavation works, provided construction materials, timber, hydrobarriers and other materials. During creation of platoon strongpoints, kryjivka was actively used. It’s a development of Metinvest, what is made of corrugated steel and is installed underground and protects against shelling. Altogether, 43 mobile steel bunkers were installed in these areas of the front line in spring.
Oleksandr MYRONENKO, Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest Group, who actively participated in the construction, stated, “Since the first days of full-scale invasion, Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front has been involved in the construction of fortifications near the front line. Last year, we, Metinvest, had to intensify our efforts because the enemy keeps trying to break through the Ukrainian defense. The Steel Front believes it is necessary to mobilize all possible resources to build fortifications that will help stop the aggressor and protect the lives of hundreds of thousands of peaceful residents in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. We stand side-by-side with Armed forces of Ukraine to defend our right to live and work on free Ukrainian land!”
The construction of the fortifications will continue. Currently, the most active work is being carried out in the Donetsk sector in cooperation with the Donetsk regional military-civil administration. In the Kurakhove sector, it’s being done together with DTEK.
Overall, since the start of the full-scale war, SCM companies have contributed over UAH 8 billion to support the Armed forces of Ukraine and civilians as a part of Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative and have become the largest donors to the Armed Forces of Ukraine among private companies in Ukraine.
