Leading Ukrainian business media outlet delo.ua has recognised four SCM companies in its veteran economy rating, which assesses how the country's largest employers help former service members return to civilian work. Our steel company Metinvest, alongside DTEK and First Ukrainian International Bank (FUIB), features in the top ten, with Lemtrans in the top fifty. The recognition reflects a consistent, long-term approach to employing and supporting veterans across SCM companies.
What is the delo.ua veteran economy rating?
delo.ua, one of Ukraine's leading business media outlets, compiled the rating as part of a wider project on how business supports the return of veterans to civilian life. The employers rating assesses companies on two measures: the number of veterans they employ, which carries the greater weight, and the presence of education and reskilling programmes. The result is a picture of the organisations doing the most to bring former service members back into the workforce.
Which SCM companies feature among the leaders?
Three SCM companies appear in the top ten. Our steel company Metinvest ranks third, employing more than 1,000 veterans. DTEK ranks fifth, and FUIB ranks ninth. Lemtrans, part of SCM, also features within the top fifty. Together they show the scale and consistency of veteran employment across SCM companies, which operate in steel, energy, banking and logistics.
How do these companies support veterans?
Since 2023 Metinvest has run a reintegration system covering mental and physical health, rehabilitation, social adaptation, training and financial support, including extended medical insurance and dedicated veteran communities. DTEK runs its ProVeteran programme, through which every veteran in the company has completed retraining or gained a new qualification at its academy; in 2025, 18 former coal-sector workers retrained in solar energy. FUIB supports veteran entrepreneurship through grants and business education, directing UAH 20.2 million ($450,000) to financing veteran-owned businesses in 2025 and a further UAH 3.2 million ($71,000) to training. Lemtrans helps veterans return gradually, providing time for recovery, medical assessment and additional training.
Why is supporting veterans part of SCM's strategy?
The approach reflects the long-term vision of SCM's shareholder, Rinat Akhmetov. Mr Akhmetov regards veterans both as the heroes of Ukraine's defence in this war and as a skilled workforce that will be central to the country's recovery and sustainable development. For SCM companies, employing, retraining and financing veterans is a practical contribution to a stronger national economy.
