Oleksandr Myronenko, chief operating officer of Metinvest Group, said:
“russia continues to target a steel plant that has not been able to resume normal operations following previous attacks. There is no logic to these strikes, just as there is no logic to the war itself.
After nights like these, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, I want to draw attention to what matters most. And that is not russia or its attacks. What matters most is our people.
I want to thank our employees, our team, who have proved stronger than the shelling and the immense pressure they face. Professionalism, expertise and team spirit have always been among our core values. But in times like these, it is the resilience and strength of character of our people that come to the fore.
The aggressor country destroys and devastates, seeking to wipe everything out. Yet our people continue working. Metre by metre, they clear the rubble, stand together as they deal with the aftermath of the strikes and, when the air raid sirens sound, make their way to shelters together.
When the all-clear is given, they return to work at the damaged facilities. They return to their workplaces, to the blast furnace tapholes, power units and locomotives, determined to understand what each of them can do to get back to their jobs.
I thank every person who continues to believe in themselves and in Ukrainian steelmaking, everyone who keeps fighting. This is our greatest strength, something the russians can never take away from us.”
Zaporizhstal has suffered large-scale ballistic missile attacks on 11 and 27 August, 12 and 17 September, and now 17 October. A total of 23 ballistic missiles have been fired at the plant during this period. The attacks have killed eight employees and injured another 31 steelworkers, with injuries ranging in severity.
Following the attack on 11 August, the entire production complex was shut down. Employees were clearing debris and addressing the consequences of the strike, enabling the Group to assess the damage and determine the prospects for recovery.
Certain technological processes, primarily those essential to maintaining equipment in a safe condition and preventing potential industrial hazards to employees and local residents, were promptly restored and maintained at the minimum necessary level. However, normal production operations have not resumed.
In response to the persistent security risks posed by systematic russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia, the plant has rapidly expanded its network of protective shelters. Additional reinforced mobile shelters have been installed in areas where employees are clearing debris and repairing damaged equipment.
These measures have significantly reduced the distance employees must travel and the time required to reach safety, which is particularly important during ballistic missile attacks.