Rinat Akhmetov legal initiatives and assistance

After the Russian invasion, Rinat Akhmetov turned his energies to defending Ukraine. In 2023, he succeeded—an international court ordered Russia to pay DTEK Krymenergo $267 million for seizing power grids in Crimea.

He also sued Russia for seizing property in Donbass between 2014 and 2017. Akhmetov fights for justice on all available legal platforms and is unafraid to confront the aggressor.

Many know Rinat Akhmetov as a successful businessman, but now he has shown himself to be a true patriot. His actions show how business can help the state in difficult times and assume part of the responsibility for defending national interests.

Steel front and real help

Akhmetov’s support comes from many directions. His enterprises have reoriented their work to meet the needs of the country’s defense. As part of his Steel Front initiative, ammunition, vehicles, armored personnel carriers, ambulances for military medics, drones, thermal imaging cameras, and many other essential items are being transferred to the military from all over the country. Metinvest has also developed and delivered more than 600 underground steel “shelters” for frontline soldiers. The metallurgical group also supplies steel for armored vehicles, including Abrams and Leopard tanks.

The 11.3 billion UAH ($315 million) Rinat Akhmetov donated over 36 months of Russia’s full-scale invasion wasn’t solely for military needs. A significant part of the funds helps citizens affected by the hostilities – refugees, people with disabilities, and families with children.

Position on Russia’s frozen assets

SCM believes in taking back russian state money that G7 and EU countries have frozen since the invasion in 2022. In documents submitted to the British Parliament, the company states:

1. Russia should stop the war and pay Ukraine.
2. Britain and other countries can put pressure on Russia.
3. Taking russian money is legal.
4. International law allows it.

Western countries have also been hurt by Russia’s actions because:

1. Have to protect Russia’s neighbours in NATO.
2. Have taken in many refugees from Ukraine.
3. Are paying for the support and future rebuilding of Ukraine.

The World Bank has calculated that rebuilding Ukraine costs $486 billion, and the price is rising. So, taking away 300 billion of Russian assets is fair.

Akhmetov also considers the country’s life after the war. His companies are preparing plans to rebuild Ukraine’s economy. The main focus is on the energy sector, which was destroyed by Russian strikes. Akhmetov’s connections to the world and his firms’ experience in international markets will help attract investment to rebuild Ukraine after the victory. Despite all the difficulties now, he believes in a long and successful future for the country.