Rinat Akhmetov continues supporting Ukraine during the war with billions allocated to military aid and humanitarian projects

Since the start of the war, Rinat Akhmetov’s fortune has significantly decreased, yet his companies remain operational in Ukraine.

17:31 08 March 2025

Since the start of the war, Rinat Akhmetov’s fortune has significantly decreased, yet his companies remain operational in Ukraine. SCM has been actively involved in constructing defensive structures, building 80 kilometers of fortifications in various regions and equipping 55 platoon strongholds with the necessary infrastructure.

SCM also leverages its international connections to keep global partners informed about the situation in Ukraine. The company strongly advocates for the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. As a result of these efforts, Rinat Akhmetov is currently the largest private donor to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. More details can be found here.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Donetsk-born businessman Rinat Akhmetov has provided over 9 billion hryvnias (more than $258 million) to support Ukraine. These funds have been divided between military aid and humanitarian projects. His Steel Front initiative supplies military units with critical equipment, including:

Technical equipment: drones, thermal imagers, electronic warfare devices, sights, and radios.

Transport: general-purpose vehicles and ambulances.

Protective equipment: body armor, shelters, and mine-resistant flails.

All protective equipment is produced at SCM facilities using Ukrainian materials and technologies. The company also conducts regular staff training to ensure the highest quality of the equipment manufactured. 

Humanitarian aid

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation provides essential support to frontline areas, delivering food, medicine, and other necessities. In several cities, hostels for displaced persons have been established. As part of its humanitarian mission, the Foundation also supplies heaters and assists with the arrangement of temporary housing.

The Heart of Azovstal programme, with a budget of 1 billion hryvnias, encompasses seven areas of support for the defenders of Mariupol. Under the At home programme, 100 apartments were purchased in 2024 for military personnel with Group I and II disabilities. Additionally, a medical rehabilitation programme for wounded soldiers is ongoing.

The Shakhtar Football Club contributes to the treatment of wounded soldiers abroad. Proceeds from international matches are directed toward aiding those affected by the war. Treatment has been arranged for Marine Mykhailo Dianov in the United States, fighter Vitaliy Shumey in Barcelona, and Yevhen Larchenko in Israel. Collaboration with international medical centers ensures a high standard of treatment and rehabilitation.

This material was prepared based on the publication: Forbes.