Ukraine’s richest man has pledged to help rebuild the city of Mariupol, where the businessman owns two major steel mills which he says will once again compete globally.
Rinat Akhmetov saw her business empire destroyed after eight years Fighting in Eastern Ukrainebut remains certain that what he calls “our brave soldiers” will defend the city that has been reduced to a desert after seven weeks of bombardment.
At the moment, however, his company Metinvest, Ukraine’s largest steel producer, has announced that it will not be able to deliver its supply contracts. His financial and industrial group is honoring its debt obligations and its private energy producer DTEK has “optimized the payment of its debt” in an agreement with creditors.
“Mariupol is a global tragedy and a global example of heroism. For me, Mariupol was and remains a Ukrainian city,” Akhmetov said in written responses to Reuters inquiries.
“I believe that our brave soldiers will defend the city, although I understand how difficult and hard it is for them,” said the businessman, adding that he is in daily contact with Metinvest managers, who set up the plants in operate Mariupol.
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