Akhmetov: Mariupol plants will never work under Russia's occupation

09:55, 23.03.2022 1 min read

Metallurgical enterprises of Mariupol will never operate under Russian occupation, businessman Rinat Akhmetov has said in a commentary to the American newspaper The Wall Street Journal.

"Russian troops are turning Mariupol into rubble, killing Mariupol residents and bombing the plants," he said. "Under no circumstances will these plants operate under Russian occupation," the businessman said.

He said that now both Azovstal and the Illich Iron and Steel Works are under Ukraine's control, thanks to the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian army.

Both Azovstal and the Illich plant, which employed about 40,000 people, are under Ukrainian control, but the plants are temporarily shut down.

Akhmetov said earlier that he is in Ukraine and all his businesses, as well as the charitable foundation, are doing everything possible for the victory of Ukraine and helping the civilian population.

"I am sure that the time will come when we will rebuild Ukraine, and I will invest all my strength and resources so that Ukraine can recover and become a strong and prosperous country," he said.