Rinat Akhmetov and Charity During the War
The full-scale war poses a serious challenge for Ukraine, and the outcome of this conflict largely depends on human decisions. Supporting the defense and economy of the country remains a key factor determining the course of events. The famous businessman Rinat Akhmetov, the initiator of the "Steel Front" project, believes that every Ukrainian should contribute to victory. He and his businesses have directed over 7.6 billion hryvnias to charitable military and humanitarian projects.
Metallurgists Help the Front
The enterprises owned by the businessman have actively participated in aiding the army since the onset of Russian aggression. Specialists at the "Metinvest" plants have launched the production of anti-landing and anti-tank hedgehogs, as well as spiked chains to facilitate the movement of wheeled vehicles in off-road conditions.
Once it became known that there was a shortage of bulletproof vests, experts at the enterprise promptly developed a high-strength steel alloy suitable for manufacturing protective plates.
Technologists from "Metinvest" also presented another innovation – modular type dugout shelters. Such constructions are easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring no special equipment for installation or dismantling. More than 300 such dugouts have been sent to the frontline, and all of them are free for the army.
In addition, "Metinvest" produces various equipment needed by the military in the field: turbo and mini-stoves, sapper cats, and more. Over more than two years of war, the enterprise has allocated significant funds for the purchase of drones (over 5000 different models of drones have been acquired), vehicles (more than 1200 units), and individual first aid kits (over 47 thousand).
Attention to Current Humanitarian Problems
Rinat Akhmetov has allocated one billion hryvnias for the "Heart of Azovstal" project aimed at supporting the defenders of Mariupol. It is planned that in 2024, assistance under 6 programs (prosthetics, rehabilitation, housing, etc.) will be provided to almost 10 thousand defenders of the city and their families.
Furthermore, the football club "Shakhtar" provides systematic support to athletes, internally displaced persons, defenders of Ukraine, and residents of regions affected by the war. The club organized and covered all expenses for the treatment in the USA of the "Azovstal" defender, Marine Mikhail Dionov, and also took on the organization of treatment and rehabilitation for the seriously wounded fighter Vitaliy Shumey in Barcelona.
Residents of frontline and de-occupied regions receive humanitarian aid from business projects and charitable initiatives of Rinat Akhmetov. This aid includes food, clothing, household items, medicines, hygiene products, and much more. Since the beginning of the war, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has delivered over 700 thousand units of medicine and more than 630 thousand food packages for Ukrainians.
