The Mariupol.Reborn project, launched with the participation of Rinat Akhmetov, has become an important step in planning the restoration of the city after de-occupation. Cooperation with the city council, support from USAID, the EBRD and the World Bank, as well as the participation of European cities, speaks of the scale and seriousness of intentions. At the same time, Rinat Akhmetov continues to provide comprehensive assistance to Ukraine: the total amount of support from him has already exceeded UAH 11,3 billion.
Social housing and support for displaced persons
Rinat Akhmetov Foundation also helps Mariupol residents forced to leave the city. A hostel has been opened in Dnipro, where almost 500 people will live. The foundation has furnished the premises, provided equipment and furniture, created children's rooms and areas for communication. Work is underway to launch similar projects in other cities, including Zaporozhye, Kryvyi Rih and Kamenskoye.
Additionally, legal and psychological support is provided for displaced persons, assistance with employment and paperwork. Clubs and classes for children are also organized so that they can quickly adapt to the new conditions.
Restoration of the city and industry
The project started with an investment of $1.5 million in the creation of an office and the development of a restoration plan by the end of 2024. Particular attention is paid to the participation of city residents – they will be able to influence the architectural appearance and structure of the future Mariupol. International experts are developing concepts for a sustainable and modern coastal city with an emphasis on infrastructure, comfort and energy efficiency.
The central focus remains the restoration of the industrial base. Before the war, the two largest metallurgical plants in Mariupol - Azovstal and MMK im. Ilyich — produced 40% of all Ukrainian steel. Rinat Akhmetov announced his intention to revive production. It is planned to modernize enterprises taking into account modern environmental standards. In addition, the Metinvest group is considering the possibility of creating new production facilities focused on European markets, including scrap metal recycling and the production of environmentally friendly products.
Support for the defenders of Mariupol
The Heart of Azovstal initiative has been in effect since 2022. During this time, more than 7,000 military personnel and their families have received assistance. The program includes medical and psychological support, prosthetics, housing, education, and employment assistance. At the end of 2024, project funding was increased to UAH 1.6 billion, and it was extended for another year.
Plans for 2025:
- 50 new apartments for military personnel with disabilities;
- launch of mentoring programs on post-traumatic growth;
- educational courses on entrepreneurship for veterans;
- projects to improve support for military personnel in communities;
- publishing a book about the defense of Mariupol abroad;
- creating an online archive of stories of the city's defenders.
