In Kyiv, a special memorial was erected in commemoration of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people. It was created with the support of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and made of steel donated by Metinvest Group.
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation believes that it is extremely important to preserve the historical memory of these tragic events. This is so future generations know about their past, protect the evidence and prevent the horrors from repeating. It is also to ensure a better and more peaceful future for the country, the Ukrainian land and the nations that consider it their homeland.
The memorial sign is a symbolic composition based on a map of Ukraine with Crimea in the centre and a bowl with a cypress tree, which symbolises sadness and sorrow. The bowl is a reflection of a house filled with cultural ornaments of the Crimean Tatars, while the cypress growing from it symbolise new life.
Some 38.5 tonnes of steel plates produced by Metinvest Trametal in Italy were used to create the memorial. Metinvest's engineers and managers carried out a full-fledged operation, which, in addition to rolling 41 steel sheets, included transporting the metal to Ukraine, and the laser cutting and welding of the finished structures for the monument. These processes involved the active participation of experts from Metinvest SMC and Zaporizhzhia Foundry and Mechanical Plant (ZLMZ).
Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest Group, said:
“Before the war, I am sure we would have provided steel produced at Azovstal for this memorial. Regrettably, our plant has been captured by the enemy and occupied for more than two years and they have tried to destroy it. But I am confident that we will revive and rebuild everything and find new means and opportunities. As in the case of this memorial, Metinvest is ready to supply steel for the reconstruction of Ukraine as a whole. As much as is needed.”
All the elements of the memorial symbolise the desire for historical justice through the tragedy of genocide, as well as giving the Crimean Tatar nation hope for prosperity and development in their native land.
