Azovstal. It’s a reputation that’s change into synonymous with the warfare in Ukraine following the siege of Mariupol earlier this yr 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-Might.
Now, Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group, the proprietor and operator of Azovstal Iron and Metal Works, has launched a brand new challenge 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 likely be bought to fund the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s (AFU) Military of Drones challenge.
“Throughout 89 years of the plant’s historical past, 1000’s of Mariupol residents and steelmakers have proven excellence of their work, so Azovstal’s metal was identified everywhere in the world,” mentioned Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest Group.
“This yr, the identify of the plant was on the entrance pages — not due to its metal, however due to its folks. The folks 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 turned an instance for all of us. Due to this fact, these bracelets aren’t simply small bars of metal, however an emblem 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 boost funds that will likely be used to assist Ukraine in the course of the ongoing warfare. Step one of the challenge will see the discharge of the bracelets.
Every bracelet incorporates 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 a terrific honor,” mentioned Liudmyla Sova. “Sturdy not solely in materials, however within the very thought and symbolism that it carries. We instantly supported the challenge 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 thought into a jewellery product worthy of changing into an emblem of indomitability for your complete Ukrainian folks.”