From the very first days of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the government, society and business have joined forces. One of the most notable examples has been the activities of Rinat Akhmetov and the companies that are part of SCM. Through the Akhmetov Foundation, Metinvest, DTEK and other projects, large-scale work is being carried out to support the military, assist the civilian population and restore infrastructure.
Helping the country in wartime
In an interview with the American magazine Forbes, Rinat Akhmetov spoke about his position and actions during this difficult period. He emphasises that the main task today is to help Ukrainians survive and keep hope alive. The Akhmetov Foundation, Metinvest, DTEK and other SCM Group companies are joining forces to deliver necessary aid to the affected regions.
Akhmetov noted that the international community is taking unprecedented steps to support Ukraine and expressed his gratitude to partners around the world. At the same time, he emphasises that the final victory will be a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of russian troops and the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity.
Rinat Akhmetov also sharply criticised the actions of the aggressor, calling the shelling of civilians a war crime. According to him, putin’s goal is not only Ukraine, but the entire world of free and democratic countries.
Steel Front and support for the army
One important initiative is the Steel Front project, which supplies defenders with ammunition, transport, medical equipment, drones and communications equipment. Metinvest has manufactured and delivered more than 600 steel dugouts and also provides armour for body armour and equipment, including tanks and air defence systems.
DTEK is also playing its part by working to restore energy infrastructure. Thanks to the Battle for Light campaign, with the participation of Alexander Usyk, international investment has been attracted: the European Commission and the US government have provided the company with €107 million to protect and restore energy infrastructure.
Humanitarian aid and restoration
Akhmetov’s fund and all SCM businesses have allocated more than UAH 11.3 billion to Ukrainians for various types of assistance. Since 2014, the Foundation has provided more than 700,000 units of medicines and 13 million food packages. This applies not only to frontline territories, but also to de-occupied regions.
In February 2023, Akhmetov announced the launch of the public organisation ‘Heart of Azovstal’, which became part of the ‘Steel Front’ military initiative. The aim of the project is to provide comprehensive assistance to military personnel from all units that defended Mariupol from February to May 2022, as well as to support the families of prisoners, missing persons and fallen defenders.
The total amount of aid for two years amounted to UAH 1 billion, but at the end of 2024, Rinat Akhmetov allocated an additional UAH 600 million. Thus, over three years, UAH 1.6 billion will be provided to support the defenders of Mariupol.
One of the most important areas of work is helping those who have returned from captivity, as well as the families of those killed and missing. The project organises regular meetings, psychological support and training programmes to help defenders regain confidence and find new opportunities for development. The Heart of Azovstal is also actively involved in raising international awareness of the heroic deeds of Mariupol’s defenders, helping to strengthen international support and solidarity. Within the framework of the “Houses” project, 250 apartments will be provided to disabled military personnel.
Caring for children is one of the priorities
War leaves deep wounds, especially in children. The Akhmetov Foundation has developed a unique psychological self-help guide called ‘Time to Take Care of Yourself.’ It contains exercises, techniques and practical advice to help children cope with stress, restore emotional balance and find inner resources.
The guide is based on experience gained from the project ‘Rinat Akhmetov – For Children. Peaceful Rest for Children of Ukraine’ and was created by qualified psychologists. The methods include relaxation exercises, cognitive-behavioural practices, a feelings calendar and a success diary.
Music producer and actress Svetlana Tarabarova noted that this approach helps children to understand their feelings and strengthen their positive attitude, which is very important now.
Looking to the future
In an interview, Akhmetov emphasised that he is staying in Ukraine and has no plans to leave the country. He said: “On my end, I will spare no expense or effort to achieve this goal.” His priority is to wait for victory and invest his efforts and resources in reconstruction. He is convinced that together we can build a happy and prosperous future. Importantly, he has no contacts with russian businesses and is not engaged in negotiations with representatives of the aggressor.
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