Ukraine steel industry crippled by Russian missile strikes

Russian missile strikes have severely damaged Ukraine’s metallurgical industry, a sector that previously accounted for approximately 10% of the country’s GDP and one-third of its exports. The massive Zaporizhstal plant in Zaporizhzhia, owned by Metinvest, has shut down indefinitely following four waves of attacks involving 17 missiles. The strikes resulted in eight deaths and 31 injuries, causing extensive damage to blast furnaces and essential equipment.

Metinvest reported that all of its steelworks are currently out of operation. The industry, which once employed over half a million people, has seen a significant decline; the number of active plants has dropped from 12 before 2014 to just six in 2025. Additionally, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih announced it could not resume activities following repeated attacks that killed five workers.

The economic impact extends to local municipalities, as metallurgical companies have historically provided up to 70% of the tax revenue for certain industrial cities, funding vital infrastructure and social services.