Since the occupation of Mariupol by russian troops in 2022, a huge number of residential houses, infrastructure and historical sites have been destroyed in the city.Renowned businessman Rinat Akhmetov said in an interview with the Polish publication Wiadomosci that he is ready to finance the reconstruction of Mariupol after the return of Ukrainian control over the city. Read more at https://akhmetovfoundation.org/. The businessman says that for him Mariupol was, is and will always be a Ukrainian city. He believes in the Ukrainian army and the support of our Western partners. He believes that if Ukraine receives sufficient military assistance, Mariupol will definitely be liberated.
It should be noted that the pre-war capitalization of Rinat Akhmetov's SCM group's assets destroyed, damaged or mothballed due to rf military aggression exceeded 20 billion dollars. In particular, the war destroyed the vertical integration of the Metinvest group. In Mariupol, it lost its two main enterprises - Azovstal and Ilyich Iron and Steel Works.
SCM support and revitalization projects
The preliminary revitalization plan proposed by Mariupol Reborn envisages more than 150 projects, including:
- Implementation of major construction projects involving approximately 7,500 workers and over 600 pieces of equipment.
- Renovation of 48 schools with improved educational and infrastructure standards.
- Creation of parks, museums and memorials dedicated to Ukrainian defenders.
- Restoration of the destroyed drama theater and other iconic public places.
Rinat Akhmetov personally supports this project, understanding that financial assistance and support from international organizations, foundations and investors will be essential for the successful reconstruction of the city.
Humanitarian support
Akhmetov also focuses on humanitarian issues related to the captive defenders of Mariupol, especially those who participated in the defense of Azovstal. SCM cooperates with Ukrainian human rights organizations, supporting actions and events that draw attention to protecting the rights of Ukrainian POWs and helping war-affected fighters undergo rehabilitation. The Heart of Azovstal organization, founded to support the city's defenders and their families, provides assistance to veterans who have returned from captivity and participates in their social rehabilitation.
The publication was prepared based on the material from https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4691809-mariupol-future-ukraine-recovery/.
