By John Luke
In the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s wealthiest individual, has remained steadfast in his commitment to supporting his country. With a net worth estimated at $5.7 billion, according to Forbes, Akhmetov has channeled considerable resources into Ukraine’s war effort and humanitarian aid.
Resilience Amid Losses
Akhmetov’s companies have faced direct hits from Russian aggression. Russian forces have destroyed facilities owned by his mining and steel firm Metinvest Group and his power generation company DTEK. The human cost has been substantial, with over 500 employees losing their lives.
Despite these setbacks, Akhmetov’s companies have donated $150 million in goods and services to the Ukrainian army, including producing nearly 200,000 bulletproof vests and armored shelters.
“In wartime, our company operates accordingly. Now our utmost goal is to help Ukrainians survive and withstand,” Akhmetov stated in a 2022 interview with Forbes.
When Ukrainian soccer star Mykhaylo Mudryk was transferred to Chelsea in the Premier League for $76 million, Akhmetov, who owns Mudryk’s former team, Shakhtar Donetsk, allocated $25 million of the payout to a fund aimed at supporting soldiers and their families. The money is designated to cover medical expenses and other necessities.
“We can only talk about Ukrainian football because of the Ukrainian army, the Ukrainian people, and the tremendous support we have had during this incredibly difficult time. And the only way we can defeat the evil that has come to our homes is by working together,” Akhmetov said in a statement.
“I am donating $25m (£20.5m) of Mykhaylo’s transfer fee to help our soldiers, defenders, and their families. The money will be used to cover different needs, from providing medical and prosthetic treatment and psychological support to meeting specific requests. It will be managed by an independent professional team that will work with the Azovstal defenders, their families, care providers, and volunteers.”
Additionally, Akhmetov has moved to seek justice amid the Russian invasion, filing a lawsuit against Russia at Europe’s top human rights court. He’s seeking compensation for what he describes as “grievous violations of his property rights” and billions of dollars in business losses. “Evil cannot go unpunished. Russia’s crimes against Ukraine and our people are egregious, and those guilty of them must be held liable,” said Akhmetov.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Homeland Commitment
Akhmetov, who was born to a coal miner and grew up in Donetsk, has expressed an unwavering commitment to Ukraine.
“I am in Ukraine and I am not going to leave the country. I share the same feelings with all Ukrainians: I am sincerely waiting for the victory of Ukraine in this war,” he told Forbes. His fortune has seen a decline due to the hostilities, but his resolve appears unshaken.
When asked about his vision for a victory for Ukraine, Akhmetov was clear: “A total ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and full restoration of the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine.”
He further added that the unfolding events are a “war crime and a crime against humanity, against Ukraine and the Ukrainians.”
Current Operations and Future Goals
Rinat Akhmetov’s businesses and charitable arm, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, are actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, providing essential supplies.
“My foundation is helping Ukrainians survive by providing water, food, medicines, and any help we can give here and now,” he said.
Akhmetov has made it clear that he’s not in contact with any Russian business leaders. Rather, he’s focused on working with his company and people to garner support from other international partners.
“[System Capital Management] is an international company. Each of our employees is now using all their connections and opportunities to get the true information across to our international partners.”
Rinat Akhmetov has emerged as a key figure in Ukraine’s struggle, contributing both materially and morally to the nation’s efforts. His actions, backed by his own words, reflect a deep commitment to his country’s sovereignty and the well-being of its people.
