Azovstal. It’s a reputation that’s turn into synonymous with the conflict in Ukraine following the siege of Mariupol earlier this 12 months when Ukrainian forces used the iron and steelworks’ community of underground tunnels and bunkers as the ultimate line of protection earlier than Russian occupiers captured the port metropolis in mid-Could.
Now, Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group, the proprietor and operator of Azovstal Iron and Metal Works, has launched a brand new venture in collaboration with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s United24 fundraising platform: Azovstal: A Image of Perseverance. Appropriately, Akhmetov and Metinvest will use pre-war metal manufactured within the facility to make bracelets that will probably be offered to fund the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s (AFU) Military of Drones venture.
“Throughout 89 years of the plant’s historical past, hundreds of Mariupol residents and steelmakers have proven excellence of their work, so Azovstal’s metal was recognized all around the world,” stated Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest Group.
“This 12 months, the identify of the plant was on the entrance pages — not due to its metal, however due to its individuals. The individuals of metal. The troopers and paramedics who held again the aggressor’s assault and defended Ukrainian Mariupol inside the partitions of the Azovstal stronghold. They grew to become an instance for all of us. Subsequently, these bracelets aren’t simply small bars of metal, however a logo of respect and religion within the defenders of Ukraine. Our warriors themselves are like metal and even stronger than metal. I really feel impressed that the final pre-war batch of metal from Azovstal will assist the AFU.”
5 Grams of Metal With an Enduring Message of Fortitude
Rinat Akhmetov’s newest effort has been launched to lift funds that will probably be used to assist Ukraine throughout the ongoing conflict. Step one of the venture will see the discharge of the bracelets.
Every bracelet accommodates 5 grams of metal produced on rolling mill 3600 on the Azovstal plant. The bracelet’s design was developed by the Sova jewellery home and options an engraved coat of arms of Ukraine.
“For the Sova jewellery model, engaged on the Azovstal bracelet was an excellent honor,” stated Liudmyla Sova. “Sturdy not solely in materials, however within the very concept and symbolism that it carries. We instantly supported the venture and undertook the implementation of the design and batch of bracelets at our personal expense. In a brief time period, we managed to show a strong concept into a jewellery product worthy of changing into a logo of indomitability for your entire Ukrainian individuals.”
