The companies featured in the ranking reflect a new paradigm: they do not simply respond to challenges but integrate long-term social outcomes into their strategies, grounded in core environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. Such businesses recognise that their own resilience is inseparable from that of the country.
When compiling the list, Delo.ua reviewed the full spectrum of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The methodology – combining comprehensive analysis with expert evaluation – made it possible to identify the most effective and systematic projects.
The publication assessed companies according to several criteria: support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, veteran reintegration, assistance for employees and others affected by the war, environmental and social projects, as well as the consistency of their approach and engagement with local communities.
More detailed information about Metinvest’s CSR priorities and its contribution to Ukraine’s defence can be found in the article, Protecting People and Knowledge: How Metinvest Invests in Veterans, Communities and the Country’s Technical Elite.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Metinvest has transformed its CSR approach to serve as a key pillar of national resilience. The Group is providing systematic support to the Armed Forces, investing in an ecosystem for veteran reintegration and developing its own university.
Despite losing operational control over a significant share of its assets, Metinvest has not only maintained its position as a backbone of the national economy, it has also become one of the largest private donors supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the civilian population. This transformation is reflected in striking figures: since the beginning of the full-scale war, Metinvest has provided more than UAH9.7 billion in assistance to the state and its people.
Steel Front: defending the country
Metinvest’s social investment strategy is closely aligned with the challenges of wartime. More than half of all CSR-related expenditure (58% over 2022-24) has been directed towards supporting Ukraine’s defenders. Under Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative, an unprecedented UAH5.2 billion has been allocated to meet the needs of the Armed Forces.
This assistance goes far beyond supplying equipment; it has evolved into an engineering and technological partnership with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Group consistently provides the military with unique solutions developed by its own specialists.
A key contribution has been strengthening the front line. Metinvest has supplied troops with 805 hideouts: mobile shelters manufactured at the Group’s facilities to enable the rapid and secure fortification of positions. It also plays an active role in constructing fortification structures and serves as a supplier of specialised protective equipment. Among its flagship projects are the delivery of 300 metal shields and a unique three-tonne armour casing designed to protect the US-made Patriot air-defence system from shrapnel and drone attacks.
In addition to large protective structures, the Group provides the Armed Forces with critically important gear. It has already supplied Ukraine’s defenders with 150,000 pieces of defensive equipment 25,000 helmets and other essential items. The military has also received more than 8,200 reconnaissance drones and over 70 vehicles. Nearly UAH26 million has been allocated to the development of tactical medicine.
The Group has also financed and built two underground field hospitals to serve as medical stabilisation centres in the most active sectors of the front line. The investment in constructing the second facility alone exceeded UAH21 million.
Humanitarian mission and community recovery
War affects far more than the front line: it impacts thousands of civilians and destroys critical infrastructure. Humanitarian aid and community support – particularly in frontline areas – remain a key area of the Group’s CSR efforts.
The Saving Lives humanitarian initiative has become one of the largest private relief projects in the country. Through this programme, the Group has supported more than 500,000 civilians, distributing over 4,200 tonnes of food, hygiene products and essential supplies across the regions most affected by the war.
At the same time, the Group is actively investing to restore essential services in affected areas where its enterprises operate. Particular attention is given to rebuilding critical infrastructure: hospitals, schools, residential buildings, bridges and roads.
To strengthen civilian safety, the Group has launched the Citadel project, installing modular underground shelters in schools and public spaces to provide reliable protection during air-raid alerts. In Zaporizhzhia, the Group has also funded the installation of 2,000 so-called soft windows (flexible transparent plastic window panels used as temporary glazing) in social facilities damaged by enemy shelling.
In addition, within its Steel Dream reconstruction concept, Metinvest has developed more than 200 ready-to-use designs for various types of buildings –such as housing, schools, hospitals and other facilities – to support Ukraine’s future recovery.
Supporting employees and reintegrating veterans
Another important priority for the Group is the social protection of its workforce. Metinvest has allocated around US$49 million to ensure the well-being of employees and their families, providing financial assistance, temporary housing and rehabilitation services.
Of Metinvest’s nearly 50,000 employees, more than 8,000 are currently serving in Ukraine’s defence forces. In 2022-24, the Group prepared for the large-scale reintegration of veterans returning to civilian life. A comprehensive adaptation ecosystem has been created for them, and this year alone US$550,000 has been allocated to the programme.
Systematic reintegration covers three key areas:
- Psychological support. Through the Metinvest – Together! programme, qualified psychologists have provided more than 11,500 counselling sessions – including for service personnel and their families – helping them to cope with traumatic experiences.
- Physical rehabilitation. To support the physical recovery of service personnel and veterans, the Free Waves project operates in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske. Defenders can access swimming facilities free of charge.
- Professional reintegration. Mobilised employees are offered free retraining and individually tailored career pathways, ensuring their full return to the workforce, even when injuries require a change of profession.
Investment in the future: Metinvest Polytechnic
Recognising its strategic role in shaping the future of Ukraine’s industrial sector, Metinvest is not only responding to immediate wartime challenges but is also systematically investing in the development of the country’s technical elite. The Group has become one of the largest private investors in industrial education. Five years ago, it founded Ukraine’s first private mining and metallurgical university: Metinvest Polytechnic. The university is rapidly expanding and stands as a clear example of deep integration between major industry and the technical education system. To date, the Group has allocated UAH513 million to creating modern facilities and supporting the university’s development.
Teaching at Metinvest Polytechnic goes beyond traditional lectures: experts include not only academics but also the Group’s leading engineers and managers. From their first year, students engage in real business projects, receive mentorship from industry professionals and undertake internships at Metinvest’s major enterprises. Graduates receive direct career opportunities with industrial companies.
Over the past five years, more than 1,330 students have enrolled in undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes at the university. The Group supports the most talented by fully or partly covering tuition fees and providing scholarships. In addition to its core academic programmes, Metinvest Polytechnic also enhances the skills of the existing workforce: 267 master’s students have already graduated, 970 participants have completed professional development courses and 4,150 employees have undergone specialised training.
Thus, in a period of immense challenge, Metinvest has demonstrated that CSR is not a formality: it is a strategic mission aimed at protecting the state, ensuring economic resilience and preserving social capital within local communities.