In a remarkable effort to support Ukraine's military, Metinvest Group has established the country’s first underground stabilization center, designed specifically for the Ministry of Defence. This initiative, part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front program, represents a significant commitment to enhancing medical support for Ukraine’s defenders in the face of ongoing conflict. The underground hospital, equipped to NATO standards, is a pivotal development for providing urgent medical care directly on the front line.
Located deep underground, this hospital is constructed using specially designed steel "hideout" bunkers that have been modernized to meet military medical requirements. Metinvest's investment in the construction and equipping of this facility surpassed UAH20 million, showcasing the company's dedication to safeguarding the lives of soldiers. The hospital offers intensive care, treatment, and stabilization for patients until they can be transferred to larger medical facilities, all while ensuring a protected environment for both medical staff and patients.
Oleksandr Myronenko, the Chief Operating Officer of Metinvest Group, highlighted the urgency of this project. He stated, “Every minute counts in saving the lives of Ukrainian defenders.” The underground hospital is not only an ambitious project but also a critical response to the pressing medical needs that arise during conflict. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment valued at over UAH7 million, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, and surgical tools, ensuring that it meets the standards of civilian hospitals.
Roman Kuzev, the acting commander of the medical forces group “East,” praised the hospital as the best stabilization center available, emphasizing its capability to care for over 100 patients daily. This level of care is expected to save countless lives, reinforcing the need for such facilities in the ongoing conflict. Kuzev expressed hope for the expansion of similar projects, recognizing the crucial role they play in battlefield medicine.
The underground hospital consists of six enlarged steel bunkers, each measuring 7.6 meters in length and 2.5 meters in diameter. These bunkers are equipped with essential utilities, including ventilation, water supply, drainage, and power supply systems, ensuring a comprehensive medical environment. Additionally, the facility has been fortified with security measures to protect against enemy attacks, including high-power electronic warfare systems and alternative power sources, making it resilient against potential threats.
Metinvest’s commitment to supporting Ukraine extends beyond the establishment of the underground hospital. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the company has invested UAH7.5 billion to aid the country and its citizens, with UAH4 billion directed towards military support as part of the Steel Front initiative. The Group has produced a variety of military supplies, including protective screens, mine trawls, and armor plates, further demonstrating its multifaceted approach to aiding the defense efforts.
