SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and Shakhtar Football Club have collectively provided $300 million (UAH 10.6 billion) to aid the country, its military, and civilians during nearly three years of war.
Key areas of support include: assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), humanitarian aid for civilians and communities, support for charitable and advocacy projects, comprehensive support for Mariupol’s defenders.
Support for Ukrainian defenders is implemented through the military initiative «Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front». Through this initiative, military units across Ukraine receive ammunition, vehicles, armored personnel carriers, ambulances for medics, drones, thermal imagers, scopes, radios, cameras, clothing, footwear, first aid kits, tourniquets, fuel, and other essential equipment. Notably, Metinvest has developed and delivered over 600 steel dugouts for soldiers on the frontlines. Additionally, the metallurgical group manufactures anti-drone protective grids made of its steel for Western vehicles such as Abrams, Leopard, Bradley tanks, and Ukrainian Kozaks, providing them free of charge.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, DTEK Group has consistently supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and provided humanitarian assistance. DTEK’s energy specialists work around the clock to restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure destroyed by the Russian missile attacks in advance of the winter cold. Advocacy efforts in Ukraine and abroad are also a significant area of focus: DTEK and its partners actively call on Ukraine’s military allies to accelerate the supply of anti-missile systems and ammunition to protect Ukraine’s airspace and to enhance support for the restoration of its energy system.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukrtelecom has systematically supported the Defense Forces: the assistance includes thousands of special military command equipment units, medical equipment, hundreds of vehicles, and much more. Ukrtelecom has implemented a number of strategically important projects to ensure sustainable and high-quality provision of telecommunications services to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, restores communication after enemy attacks, and provides non-volatile Internet.
Additionally, Rinat Akhmetov has allocated $25 million (UAH 1 billion) for the “Heart of Azovstal” project to provide comprehensive support to Mariupol’s defenders and their families. The assistance is delivered through seven programs: Return, Protection, Health, Family, Home, Future, and Sports. The “Home” program, launched in November 2023, provides housing to the defenders with disabilities. By the end of 2024, the project plans to hand over 200 apartments. In May, the organization introduced an updated “Future” program, offering comprehensive support for veterans’ adaptation to civilian life and self-realization.
Systematic Humanitarian Assistance SCM businesses and Rinat Akhmetov’s projects deliver consistent humanitarian aid to civilians in frontline areas and liberated regions. People receive food, clothing, household items, medicines, hygiene products, and more. In SCM’s areas of presence, the company supports shelters, hospitals, generators, stoves, and water purification systems. Assistance is also provided to the local governments and utility services.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has been helping Ukrainian civilians affected by the war since 2014. During this time, the Foundation has provided more than 13 million food packages and about 800 thousand medical kits to the residents of Ukraine. Thanks to the Foundation, more than 11 thousand adults and children have undergone rehabilitation after injuries caused by the war. The Foundation also systematically helps hospitals. This year, the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, which was damaged by a missile strike in July 2024, received resuscitation vehicles and expensive diagnostic and medical equipment. In addition, the Foundation joined the project to modernize dormitories for Mariupol residents "YaMariupol. Housing".
A separate area of work is the program "Rinat Akhmetov - To Children", which has already reached more than 5 million boys and girls.
Shakhtar Football Club provides systematic assistance to athletes, displaced persons, members of Ukraine’s defense forces, and residents of war-affected regions. The club organized and covered all expenses for the treatment of Azovstal defender Marine Mykhailo Dianov in the USA. It also facilitated treatment and rehabilitation for severely injured soldier Vitalii Shumey in Barcelona and soldier and Shakhtar fan Yevhen Larchenko in Israel. The club also supports the rehabilitation of Bohdan Kush, a fighter with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the brother of one of Shakhtar’s players. In total, the club has allocated UAH 27.6 million this year to aid the military, civilians, and children.
“The AFU is the shield and sword of Ukraine. Every defender of our country is a hero fighting for all Ukrainians, for Ukraine’s European future, and for its strength and sovereignty. Supporting the frontline and doing everything possible is an honor for us and a part of our contribution to our common future. Alongside military assistance, at SCM, we continue to invest in Ukraine, create and preserve jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and attract international financing and partners. I firmly believe that our unity is our strength,”
said Natalia Yemchenko, SCM Communications Director, in her Armed Forces Day greeting.
Background Information
SCM is Ukraine’s largest investment group, operating globally. Currently, SCM enterprises and holdings are active in Ukraine, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Italy, Bulgaria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The sole owner and investor of SCM is Rinat Akhmetov, a renowned Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist.
