Ukraine can lose 50% of stell production if Russia seizes Pokrovsk – experts
Source: Ekonomichna Pravda
Ukraine could lose at least a half of its steel production if Russian forces occupy Pokrovsk as it will leave Ukraine steel producers without coal. The warning came from Oleksandr Kalenkov who leads “Ukrmetallurgprom.”, the Ukrainian steel industry association.
“In the past two years, we have produced between 6 and 6.5 million tons of steel yearly, and this year we could have 7.5 million tons. However, if we lose Pokrovsk, that figure could drop to 2-3 million tons,” Kalenkov explained.
Ukraine still has the potential to produce up to 12 million tons of steel yearly, but the loss of Pokrovsk would seriously cripple the output. The Pokrovske coal mine, run by “Pokrovske Coal” (formerly Krasnoarmeyskugol), is a major producer of coking coal which plays a critical role in supplying Ukraine’s steel industry.
Kalenkov emphasized that losing access to this mine could cripple the country’s steel production.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).