Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the companies of the SCM holding have invested $4.3 billion in the Ukrainian economy, and this course, according to the founder of the business, Rinat Ahmetov, will continue. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a statement made by the businessman to journalists in the premises of UEFA. Stepping beyond the usual corporate rhetoric, Ahmetov publicly commented for the first time on a new initiative by FC Shakhtar — the "Invest in Ukraine" campaign, under which the club calls on the global business community to direct capital into the Ukrainian economy.
"Not in words, but in deeds": a statement inside UEFA
The choice of venue — the UEFA premises — is no accident: it ties the economic message to the international football context and amplifies the resonance of the initiative. Ahmetov emphasized the difference between declarative support and real money: "When we say that we support — that is good in words, but when you invest, that is no longer in words, but in deeds. That is why SCM's business has invested $4.3 billion since the start of the full-scale invasion and will continue to do so." Thus, the $4.3 billion is presented as a signal of resilience confirmed by one's own capital, rather than as a promise for the future.
The "Invest in Ukraine" initiative: a call to global business
The key message of the speech was a call to foreign investors not to postpone their decisions. "It is very important that all global financial institutions and companies believe in Ukraine. It needs to be rebuilt already today. You need to invest today — the more investment, the better for Ukraine and Ukrainians," Ahmetov stated. The "Invest in Ukraine" initiative, launched by FC Shakhtar, is positioned as a tool that uses the club's global visibility to mobilize international capital for the country's recovery. SCM, it is noted, is the largest private investor in Ukraine, which adds weight to its public call.
Military and humanitarian support: UAH 13.5 billion and the "Steel Front"
Beyond the investment track, Ahmetov outlined the scale of direct assistance. His businesses, his charitable foundation, and FC Shakhtar have directed UAH 13.5 billion since the start of the full-scale invasion to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and humanitarian programs. A large-scale military initiative, the "Rinat Ahmetov Steel Front," is also in operation, bringing together all of SCM's business support for the Defense Forces of Ukraine. These figures complement the investment picture and show that support is being provided simultaneously on two fronts — economic recovery and direct military aid.
"The Heart of Azovstal": systemic support for veterans
A separate direction remains the "Heart of Azovstal" project, which supports the defenders of Mariupol and in spring 2026 launched its own model of systemic support for veterans — from rehabilitation to employment. Taken together, these initiatives form a multi-level program: investment in the economy, military aid, humanitarian programs, and long-term work with veterans. Ahmetov's statement inside UEFA thus became a public point of convergence for these efforts and an appeal to global business to join the recovery of Ukraine right now.
