The frontlines of Ukraine are not only battlegrounds but also sites of intense logistical challenges, with soldiers often enduring harsh conditions that severely impact their physical well-being and combat effectiveness. From inadequate shelter to limited access to heating, food, and hygiene, the realities of war demand much more than military strategy alone. In light of these conditions, Metinvest, Ukraine’s leading steelmaker, has launched an innovative production initiative to create large-scale, portable metal shelters that provide critical protection and basic amenities for soldiers. These shelters, referred to as “hideouts,” are designed to withstand shelling and can be rapidly deployed along the front lines, offering soldiers a safer and more comfortable living environment.
The shelters are cylindrical, resembling large metal barrels, but with a highly functional interior tailored to military needs. Each unit is equipped with beds, heating, ventilation, a desk, water drainage, and even an emergency exit. The shelters are customizable and can be adapted for various functions, including mobile hospitals, command posts, or simple living quarters for multiple soldiers. The mobile underground hospitals, in particular, are capable of accommodating up to 100 wounded soldiers per day, providing life-saving medical care close to the front. These shelters are built from high-strength steel, measuring 2-4 millimeters thick, and can withstand direct hits from Russian artillery shells, specifically the common 152mm rounds, a major threat faced by Ukrainian forces.
Producing these shelters is no easy feat. Each metal “barrel” weighs over two metric tons, and to manufacture just 100 units, enough to cover a small section of the front, Metinvest must source and process over 200 metric tons of high-quality sheet steel. The production process involves numerous skilled workers, including crane operators, gas cutters, boilermakers, and metal assemblers. Each shelter takes up to 165 man-hours to complete, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship and labor required. The steel used in the shelters is not only cut and shaped but also bent into a rounded radius to improve the structure's rigidity. Camouflage paint is then applied to the units to ensure they can be safely transported and deployed in battle zones.
Since September 2024, Metinvest has supplied over 600 shelters to the Ukrainian military, producing 40-50 units each month. The cost of one shelter is approximately UAH450,000 (roughly $12,000 USD), but Metinvest has been providing them free of charge to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The initiative has cost the company more than UAH300 million (about $8 million USD) to date. Beyond shelters, Metinvest has committed around UAH7.7 billion ($200 million USD) in total to support Ukraine’s war effort, with a significant portion of this sum directed towards supplying essential products like mine trawls, protective screens for armored vehicles, and anti-tank barriers.
As part of the effort, Metinvest has launched multiple production sites across the country, including classified locations, to scale up the shelter production process. The company has also established a flexible production system, allowing them to manufacture a range of shelter models based on military demand. These shelters are designed for rapid deployment, and the company has even mobilized excavators and dozens of workers in the war zone to assist with the installation of these structures in strategic locations, especially in the southern regions of Ukraine, where fighting has been most intense.
The production of these shelters is not just a testament to Metinvest’s manufacturing capabilities but also to the company’s deep commitment to supporting the Ukrainian military in the face of adversity. According to Metinvest’s Chief Operating Officer, Oleksandr Myronenko, the company is ready to increase the production of these shelters even further, pending direct contracts with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. The company has already begun the certification process for its products, which will enable them to secure government orders for larger-scale production. This official certification is crucial, as it would allow Metinvest to work directly with the Ministry of Defence, securing steady funding and further cementing its role as a key supplier to the Ukrainian military.
While these shelters represent a significant contribution to the military’s logistical needs, they also highlight the versatility and ingenuity of Ukrainian industry during wartime. Compared to similar products from foreign manufacturers, Metinvest’s shelters are more cost-effective due to the company’s vertically integrated production chain, lower labor costs, and shorter transportation routes to the front. This makes them a viable option for the Ukrainian government, which is facing tight budget constraints. However, the company’s focus remains on fulfilling urgent needs in the battlefield rather than waiting for government orders, continuing to provide these shelters free of charge as a show of support for the soldiers on the front lines.
This initiative is just one part of Metinvest’s broader commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts. As the conflict continues into its second year, the company remains focused on supporting the military in a practical and impactful way, helping to safeguard the lives of soldiers who are risking everything for their country.
