In a groundbreaking initiative, Metinvest Group has launched Ukraine's first underground hospital, designed specifically for military use and built to support the country’s defenders amid ongoing conflict. This facility, developed in collaboration with the medical forces group “East” as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front initiative, aims to provide critical medical care in a secure environment. With an investment exceeding UAH 20 million, the underground hospital reflects a significant commitment to improving healthcare for soldiers facing life-threatening situations.
The underground hospital is constructed within modified steel bunkers, designed to meet the operational needs of military medics. These bunkers have been enhanced to function as a second-echelon field hospital (Role/Echelon 2), adhering to NATO standards. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped to provide intensive care, treatment, and support for patients until they can be discharged or evacuated to more comprehensive medical facilities. The strategic location near the front lines ensures that medical assistance is readily available, which is crucial in saving lives during urgent circumstances.
Oleksandr Myronenko, the chief operating officer of Metinvest Group, emphasized the urgency and importance of this project. He stated, “A medical hospital located many metres underground is the most ambitious and challenging project we have had to implement since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.” His remarks highlight the critical nature of timely medical intervention in combat scenarios, where every minute can make a life-or-death difference for injured soldiers. The facility is designed to ensure that medical personnel have immediate access to necessary resources, enabling them to deliver effective care swiftly.
Equipped with advanced medical technology, the underground hospital rivals civilian healthcare facilities. Metinvest has outfitted the hospital with essential equipment, including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, surgical instruments, and sterilization equipment, all valued at over UAH 7 million. This comprehensive setup ensures that medical staff can provide high-quality care to soldiers suffering from various injuries, thereby significantly enhancing the survival rate of patients treated in this facility.
Roman Kuzev, acting commander of the medical forces group “East,” praised the establishment of the underground hospital, stating, “This underground hospital is the best stabilization center available. It will allow us to provide medical care to over 100 patients a day, saving hundreds of lives of our heroes.” His comments reflect the facility's potential impact on the well-being of soldiers and the importance of establishing more such centers in the future. The ability to treat a large number of patients daily underscores the hospital's role in bolstering the medical response for Ukraine’s armed forces.
The underground facility consists of six enlarged steel bunkers, each measuring 7.6 meters in length and 2.5 meters in diameter. These bunkers are equipped with vital utilities, including ventilation, water supply, drainage, and power systems, ensuring a fully functional medical environment. To enhance security, additional measures have been implemented to protect the hospital from potential enemy attacks, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding both medical personnel and patients. Furthermore, the facility is integrated with high-power electronic warfare systems and alternative power sources, ensuring its operational resilience even under adverse conditions.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Metinvest has dedicated UAH 7.5 billion to support Ukraine and its citizens, with UAH 4 billion allocated specifically for military needs as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. Beyond the underground hospital, Metinvest produces a wide range of military supplies, including mine trawls, protective screens against FPV drones, “lancet catchers,” and armor plates for frontline vehicles. This comprehensive approach not only enhances medical care but also strengthens the overall defense capabilities of Ukraine's armed forces, reflecting Metinvest's commitment to supporting the nation during these challenging times.
