Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov, together with the Mariupol City Council, presented an ambitious project Mariupol.Reborn — a large-scale initiative to fully restore the city after de-occupation. The project received international support and became one of the largest restoration projects in modern Europe.
The first stage started with an investment of $1.5 million to create a project office, which by the end of 2024 developed a comprehensive reconstruction plan. The initiative attracted major international partners — USAID, EBRD, World Bank, as well as four European cities: Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw and Utrecht.
The businessman has already allocated more than 11,3 billion hryvnia to support defense, humanitarian aid and the restoration of Ukraine, including through the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation https://akhmetovfoundation.org/en, which demonstrates his consistent commitment to the development of the country and support for the Ukrainian people in difficult times.
Industrial revival and social support
The project pays special attention to the restoration of metallurgical giants – Azovstal and Ilyichevsk Iron and Steel Works. In 2021, these enterprises jointly produced 8.6 million tons of steel, which was 40% of the total steel production of Ukraine and 90% of the production of the Metinvest Group. These plants provided jobs for tens of thousands of residents of Mariupol, playing an important role in the city’s economy.
Rinat Akhmetov announced plans for the complete restoration of the enterprises using advanced technologies. New production facilities will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. A team of experts will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the destruction and develop a step-by-step plan for the restoration of production facilities.
In parallel with the restoration work, the entrepreneur continues to develop the Heart of Azovstal project, aimed at supporting the defenders of Mariupol. Over the two years of its operation, the program has supported more than 7,000 military personnel and their families, providing over 22,000 different types of assistance: physical and psychological rehabilitation, prosthetics, housing for war invalids, support in education and employment.
Residents of Mariupol will actively participate in the formation of a new architectural appearance and urban development. The project office adapts the best global practices of urban regeneration to the specific needs of the city, attracting leading international experts in the field of urbanism and architecture.
Written by Natalie Koval
