This is not the first time that Metinvest has had to deal with destruction and recovery following attacks. But there is one thing we can never get used to: the loss of human life.
The ballistic missile strike hit as employees were making their way to a shelter immediately after the air-raid alert was sounded. Tragically, this terrorist attack claimed the lives of seven members of the Zaporizhstal team. Their deaths are a devastating loss to their families, loved ones and all of us. Twenty-one of our colleagues were also injured. We are providing them with all necessary assistance and support. We remain in close contact with the families of those killed and injured, and are helping them through this extremely difficult time.
Metinvest’s enterprises in Zaporizhzhia are civilian industrial facilities that employ tens of thousands of people and produce steel and coke products.
The enemy attack damaged energy facilities and infrastructure at Metinvest’s enterprises in Zaporizhzhia, as well as the main and auxiliary facilities used in coke and blast furnace production. The steel plant has currently been brought to a complete halt, while the other production sites are operating at reduced capacity. Specialists are assessing the consequences of the attack, the options and timeframe for recovery, and carrying out the necessary emergency repair work.
We thank all the plant services, emergency responders and municipal services involved in dealing with the aftermath of the attack and providing assistance to those affected. We also thank everyone who is doing everything necessary to restore operations as quickly as possible.
Today and tomorrow, flags at Metinvest enterprises are flying at half-mast in mourning for the employees who lost their lives. Our deepest condolences go to everyone who lost family members and loved ones last night as a result of russia’s attack on Zaporizhzhia.
We stand with our people, today and always.