ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown suffered damage to its power-generation and blast-furnace facilities
A Russian missile and drone barrage has struck Lakshmi Mittal-backed ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine’s largest steel plant, killing two people and injuring 14 workers and contractors, according to the company and reports citing Reuters.
The attack hit the sprawling industrial complex in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a fresh escalation in long-range strikes between Russia and Ukraine.
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih said the attack damaged key facilities linked to power generation and blast-furnace operations, forcing the company to partially halt production. The plant is one of Ukraine’s most important industrial assets and a major employer in the country.
Critical steel operations damaged
The damage to power-generation infrastructure could prove particularly significant for the steelmaker, whose operations depend heavily on a stable electricity supply.
The company said production processes had been partially suspended following the strike while the extent of the damage was assessed. The incident comes after years of disruption to Ukraine’s industrial sector since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The latest attack also highlights the growing vulnerability of major industrial facilities as Moscow and Kyiv increasingly target infrastructure far from the conventional frontline.
Strike follows massive drone assault
The Russian attack came after Ukraine launched a large-scale drone offensive against targets inside Russia.
Russian authorities said their forces intercepted 822 Ukrainian drones during the latest wave, while Moscow-region officials reported casualties and damage from the attacks. Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to strike Russian military, energy and industrial targets.
Moscow, meanwhile, said its strikes targeted military and industrial facilities in Ukraine. Kyiv has accused Russia of continuing to target civilian and critical infrastructure.
For ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, the immediate priority is assessing the damage and restoring affected operations. The strike adds another major disruption to a steel industry already operating under severe wartime pressure.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
