Metinvest Group, in cooperation with the Azovstal Heart project, continues to develop a comprehensive support system for veterans, assisting them in adapting to and reintegrating into civilian life after service. One such initiative is the ‘Veterans’ Camp’—a programme of physical and psychological rehabilitation for veteran employees of the company’s enterprises, launched in 2025.
The first intake at the rehabilitation camp has recently concluded, with 10 Metinvest veterans taking part. A second session is currently underway, with a further 11 company veterans taking part. Over a ten-day period, participants undergo rehabilitation at one of the health and wellness centres in Myrhorod.
"The company consistently develops its veteran-focused initiatives and creates opportunities for the adaptation and reintegration of service personnel following their military service. Our objective is to support veterans in returning to an active life, fostering a sense of collective support and helping them identify new foundations for stability and development. We recognise the importance and effectiveness of such initiatives and will therefore continue to expand them,” emphasised Maksym Ped, HR Director at Zaporizhstal.
The camp programme combines health improvement, psychological recovery and active leisure. Veterans were provided with therapeutic treatments, including massage therapy, physical activities, group sessions with psychologists, art therapy, speleotherapy, and animal-assisted therapy practices, notably involving horses and dogs.
One of the participants and organisers of the trip was Kostiantyn Matalai, Head of Zaporizhstal Veterans’ Association. Following demobilisation, he returned to work at the plant and is now actively engaged in developing the company’s veteran community.
“Returning to civilian life is a challenge for every veteran. It is essential not to be left alone with one’s experiences, but to have people nearby who understand you and are ready to offer support. This is precisely why such initiatives are of significant importance. During the camp, the participants were able to take their minds off everyday concerns, rest, socialise, and simply spend time among their own,” said Kostiantyn Matalai.
Most of the participants were already acquainted with one another through the company’s veteran community; consequently, the trip quickly evolved not only into a period of recovery, but also into a space for mutual support, the exchange of experience, and friendly interaction.
"The camp provided an opportunity to reset both physically and mentally. We underwent a course of medical treatment and rehabilitation, communicated extensively, took part in various activities, and worked with a psychologist. In a veteran environment, one feels at ease, calm, and confident. Such support genuinely helps one to move forward,” shared Oleh Slinchenko, a war veteran and Leading Engineer at Zaporizhstal’s Metallurgical Equipment Maintenance and Repair Shop No.1.
Andrii Kytariuk, a repair fitter in the open-hearth shop and a participant in the programme, notes that what stood out most were the simple things that help restore one’s inner resources.
“I particularly appreciated the atmosphere of support and mutual respect. There is no need for unnecessary words here – people simply understand one another. Such initiatives help one return to everyday life with greater confidence,” the veteran added.
A particular value of the camp was the opportunity to interact with veterans from other Metinvest enterprises.
“These meetings help one to realise that you are not alone in going through the process of adaptation after service. We spoke about our combat experience, about our work, and about life after the front line. These conversations are important, as they bring people together,” said Oleksandr Yermakov, a veteran and rolling stock inspector at UZT.
Caring for veterans and ensuring their successful reintegration after service is one of the priorities of Metinvest Group, which this year marks its 20th anniversary. In addition to veteran camps, veteran communities are active across the Company’s enterprises; meetings, sporting and leisure events are held, and joint trips and other forms of informal interaction are organised.
At Zaporizhstal and other Metinvest enterprises, a comprehensive system for supporting veterans is being consistently developed. It encompasses physical and psychological rehabilitation, adaptation to work after service, professional training and retraining, support for veteran communities, and the preparation of teams to work effectively with demobilised employees. The Company also offers veterans free retraining, upskilling opportunities, and preferential admission terms to Metinvest Polytechnic University.
Further information on the programmes and employment opportunities for veterans, and on how to join Zaporizhstal team, can be obtained by contacting the Company’s HR Department at 72 Pivdenne Shose, Zaporizhzhia, or by calling: +380 (67) 545 36 74, +380 (67) 415 29 03.