Rinat Akhmetov, in 2022, the Azovstal metallurgical plant, together with its sister factory Ilyich, will be part of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. It caused a stir when it became the focus of world media as its last stronghold. Mariupol port city. For several weeks, brave Ukrainian warriors defended Azovstal to repel an attempt to capture Mariupol by the invading Russian forces. Despite the heroic efforts of the Ukrainians, Russia finally conquered the metropolis and the Azovstal and Ilyich plants in mid-May.
Although this was a significant blow to the Metinvest Group, the owner of Akhmetov, the destruction of the facilities and the subsequent capture of Mariupol only resulted in a stronger effect. The will to fight under Akhmetov and the Ukrainian billionaires. They resisted and could initiate a new democratic era for Ukraine.
“The goal is to build a new, strong and European Ukraine, a member of the (European Union), with strong institutions, the rule of law, clear anti-corruption rules. Democratic political system and fair treatment of citizens,” said Akhmetov to the Washington Post.
Rinat Akhmetov sets an example
Because of Akhmetov's assets, he is considered a person of "excessive political and economic influence" under the new Ukrainian laws. Therefore, he disposed of himself from his media assets, will move away from politics and end his participation in Ukrainian political parties.
In July 2022, he transferred his media assets to media group Ukraine, to the government for the benefit of beloved Ukraine. Akhmetov hopes that the new laws will help improve democratic processes in Ukraine and lead to real, positive reforms.
In a press release published last year, Akhmetov said: “For more than 2000 years, starting in 20, we have formed a media conglomerate with journalists. It is based on the principles of freedom of expression, truth and professionalism.” “For us, the law is above all,” said Natalia Yemchenko, communications director of Rinat Akhmetov's holding company System Capital Management Group.
Akhmetov is ready to lead and supports Ukraine's accession to the EU. “Competition in the economy means market economy,” he said. Competition in politics means democracy… Concentration of power leads to authoritarianism and economic decline.”
by Rinat Akhmetov Metinvest group Thanks to the Steel Front initiative launched by the Steel Front, the steel and metallurgy initiative helped equip the Ukrainian defenders with all the ammunition and equipment necessary to win the war.
Since the invasion of Russia in February 2022, Akhmetov, the richest man in the country, has mobilized his industrial empire to help the people and armed forces of Ukraine. The Washington Post reported that it has donated more than $100 million to humanitarian and military aid - the single largest private donor to the war effort.
in humanitarian work Akhmetov is working with the Ukrainian government to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
According to Forbes, Akhmetov's fortune has dropped significantly since February 2022: from about $7,6 billion to just under $4,3 billion. In 2012, before Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine, where Akhmetov also had a large number of assets, the magazine estimated his fortune at 16. billion US dollars.