Rinat Akhmetov

{{short description|Ukrainian oligarch}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}

{{family name hatnote|Leonidovych|Akhmetov|lang=Eastern Slavic}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Rinat Akhmetov

| other_names =

| native_name = {{nobold|Рінат Ахметов}}

| native_name_lang = uk

| image = Akhmetov Rinat Leonidovich.jpg

| caption = Akhmetov in 2008

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1966|09|21}}

| birth_place = Donetsk, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
{{small|(present-day Ukraine)}}

| party = Opposition Bloc

| death_date =

| death_place =

| known_for = Owner, System Capital Management Group
Owner, Shakhtar Donetsk

| occupation = Businessman

| title =

| term =

| boards =

| spouse = Lilia Nikolayevna Smirnova

| children = 2

}}

Rinat Leonidovych Akhmetov{{efn|{{hlist|{{langx|uk|Рінат Леонідович Ахметов}}, {{IPA|uk|r⁽ʲ⁾iˈnɑt leoˈn⁽ʲ⁾idowɪtʃ ɐxˈmɛtou̯|pron}}|{{langx|ru|Ринат Леонидович Ахметов}}, {{IPA|ru|rʲɪˈnat lʲɪɐˈnʲidəvʲɪtɕ ɐˈxmʲetəf|pron}}|{{langx|tt-Cyrl|Ринат Леонид улы Әхмәтов|translit=Rinat Leonid uly Äkhmätov}}}}}} (born 21 September 1966) is a Ukrainian billionaire and businessman.{{cite journal|last=Kuzio|first=Taras|title=The Opposition's Road to Success|journal=Journal of Democracy|date=April 2005|volume=16|issue=2|pages=124|doi=10.1353/jod.2005.0028|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press|s2cid=144409734}} He is the founder and president of international investment group System Capital Management (SCM), and is the wealthiest man in Ukraine.[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/123875/ Eight Ukrainians make Forbes magazine's list of world billionaires], Kyiv Post (2 February 2015){{Cite news |date=2022-06-27 |title=Ukraine's richest oligarch launches lawsuit against Russia |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f2a2366e-ea9e-49a2-9d06-db76369e0134 |access-date=2022-07-06}} Akhmetov is the owner and president of the Ukrainian football club FC Shakhtar Donetsk. As of June 2024, he was listed as the 785th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of US$4 billion.{{Cite web |title=Rinat Akhmetov |url=https://www.forbes.com/nft-profile/rinat-akhmetov/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Since 2014, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has provided 13 million food kits to the residents of Ukraine, and aid has reached more than 18 million people.[https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4676083-fond-rinata-akhmetova-vidpravyv-45-tysiachi-prodnaboriv-dlia-pereselentsiv-na-kirovohradschynu Фонд Ріната Ахметова відправив 4,5 тисячі проднаборів для переселенців на Кіровоградщину]

SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and Shakhtar Football Club have collectively provided $315 million (UAH 11.3 billion) to aid the country, its military, and civilians during three years of war.[https://www.unian.ua/society/rinat-ahmetov-spryamuvav-11-3-mlrd-grn-na-pidtrimku-zsu-ta-ukrajinciv-za-tri-roki-viyni-12922434.html Рінат Ахметов спрямував 11,3 млрд грн на підтримку ЗСУ та українців за три роки війни]

From 2006 to 2007 and 2007–2012, Akhmetov was a member of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (parliament) for the Party of Regions.{{cite web|url=http://interfax.com/|title=Interfax.com|agency=Interfax|access-date=2 April 2019}}

Early life

Rinat Akhmetov was born in Donetsk, Ukrainian SSR, to a working-class family. He is an ethnic Volga Tatar{{cite web|url=http://www.ostro.org/general/society/articles/505/|title=Родовые корни Рината Ахметова|website=ОстроВ|access-date=18 May 2017}}[https://books.google.com/books?id=yZLtAAAAMAAJ&q=Rinat+Akhmetov+Tatar Ukraine:birth of a modern nation] by Serhy Yekelchyk, Oxford University Press, USA, 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-19-530546-3}} (page 204){{cite web|url=https://cdn.segodnya.ua/img/users/492/32/3(144).jpg|title=Rinat Akhmetov with his parents.|access-date=18 May 2017}} and a practicing Sunni Muslim.[https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2005/0328/132sidebar.html Rich Company] Forbes. Retrieved 23 February 2014. His father, Leonid Akhmetov, was a coal miner.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html|title=#127 Rinat Akhmetov |website=Forbes |access-date=9 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://gazeta.ua/ru/post/126844|title=инат Ахметов: "Я не хочу умирать!" – Новости на Gazeta.ua|work=Gazeta.ua|date=23 August 2006|access-date=9 February 2015}} His mother, Nyakiya Nasredynivna, was a shop assistant.

Akhmetov had an older brother, Ihor, who also worked as a coal miner but had to resign due to work-related health complications.[http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/news/84 Foundation for Development of Ukraine], 18 May 2007, Rinat Akhmetov Fights Against TB with Brother's Disease in Memories. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411133255/http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/news/84 |date=11 April 2011 }} Ihor died on 24 January 2021.{{cite web |url=https://shakhtar.com/en/news/2021/january/24_news/24_shakhtar-mourns/ |title=Shakhtar offers its condolences |date=24 January 2021 |website=FC Shakhtar Donetsk |access-date=21 November 2021}}

Akhmetov earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Donetsk National University in 2001.{{cite web|url=http://file.liga.net/person/3.html|title=Ліга.Досье.Ахметов Ринат Леонидович|access-date=9 February 2015}}

Akhmetov is married to Lilia Smirnova. They have two children.

Business career

=Beginnings=

Details regarding Akhmetov's past, how he obtained his wealth after the fall of communism in Ukraine, and his activities between 1985 and 1995, remain controversial. Akhmetov has stated in interviews that he successfully made risky business investments in the first years after the collapse of the Soviet Union.{{in lang|ru}}[http://file.liga.net/person/343-rinat-ahmetov.htmlАхметов Ринат Леонидович], Информационно-аналитический центр "ЛІГА"

In 1992, Akhmetov said he and two partners started a company called ARS, which processed coal into coke — a key material in producing steel. Akhmetov said Bragin left ARS in 1993, but they remained close friends.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/08/ukraine-oligarchs-power-war/ War has tamed Ukraine’s oligarchs, creating space for democratic change]

In 2010, denied he inherited any money from Akhat Bragin or anyone else: "I have earned my first million by trading coal and coke, and spent the money on assets that no one wanted to buy. It was a risk but it was worth it".{{cite web|url=http://www.news-ua.com/2010/09/darovannyj-kon-ukrainy/|title=Дарованный конь Украины – NEWS-UA :: Украинские новости|date=21 September 2010|access-date=9 February 2015}} Many publications in Ukraine and other European countries have made claims about Akhmetov's alleged "criminal past", some of which later retracted their statements.

In December 2022, in his interview to Washington Post Mr Akhmetov said: "I have never been involved with any criminal organizations, I have never been prosecuted and no criminal charges were pressed against me."

File:Федоренко. Ринат Ахметов и Леонид Кучма.tiff, the second president of independent Ukraine, 2005]]

In his documentary book Donetsk Mafia: Anthology,{{cite news|last=Matoshko|first=Alexandra|title=Check out Ukraine's best books|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/guide/about-kyiv/check-out-ukraines-best-books-24676.html?flavour=full|access-date=20 October 2012|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=21 July 2006}} Ukrainian author Serhiy Kuzin claims Akhmetov held the role of a 'mafia thug' in his early years.{{cite web|last=Coura|first=Kalleo|title=Chuteiras que valem ouro|url=http://veja.abril.com.br/130509/p_076.shtml|work=O misterioso dono da bola|publisher=Veja.com|access-date=27 October 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615194608/http://veja.abril.com.br/130509/p_076.shtml|archive-date=15 June 2011}} According to Hans van Zon, Professor of Central and Eastern European Studies in the University of Sunderland, "As early as 1986, Rinat and his brother Igor were involved in criminal activities.".{{cite book |last=Van Zon |first=Hans |title=Big Business and Economic Development: Conglomerates and Economic Groups in Developing Countries and Transition Economies Under Globalisation |date=23 February 2007 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-41268-1 |editor-last=Hogenboom |editor-first=Barbara |location=New York |page=387 |chapter=16 The Rise of Conglomerates in Ukraine: The Donetsk Case |access-date=2 March 2012 |editor2-last=Fernández Jilberto |editor2-first=Alex E |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FefoltD5mWkC&pg=PA387 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220322023525/https://books.google.com/books?id=FefoltD5mWkC&pg=PA387 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |url-status=live}} In 2008, the Donetsk Appellate Court ruled that the book was a work of plagiarism. The authors of the book, Borys Penchuk, Serhiy Kuzin and the Anticorruption Foundation, were obliged to pay ₴200,000 in compensation for a breach of copyright to Oleksandr Kuchinsky, the editor-in-chief of Criminal Express regional weekly and the author of The Chronicle of Donetsk Banditry book. Serhiy Kuzin used the materials from those editions to write his own book.[https://gazeta.ua/articles/scandals-newspaper/_avtoriv-knigi-donecka-mafiya-zasudili-za-plagiat/150975 Авторів книги "Донецька мафія" засудили за плагіат]

In the 1980s, Akhmetov acted as an assistant to Akhat Bragin, whom law enforcement agencies regarded as a powerful crime boss, allegedly in the illegal cloth trading business. Andrew Wilson, a scholar specializing in Ukrainian politics, categorized Akhmetov as an alleged former 'enforcer' and 'leader' of "[Akhat] Bragin's 'Tatar' clan", responsible for the use of "mafia methods to push aside the 'red directors' of the Industrial Union of Donbas (ISD)".{{cite book|last=Wilson|first=Andrew|title=Ukraine's Orange Revolution|year=2005|publisher=Yale University Press|location=New Haven|isbn=0-300-11290-4|pages=10–11|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LooNAwAAQBAJ&q=Bragin%27s+%27Tatar%27+clan}} By the early 1990s, Akhmetov began acquiring property in Donetsk allegedly by means of extortion with the assistance of Volodymyr Malyshev, Lieutenant-General of The Head of Ministry of Internal Affairs Department in Donetsk Oblast.

Malyshev, now a member of Ukraine's Parliament on the committee controlling law enforcement, is accused by Kuzin of using his position to do away with previously existing police records concerning Akhmetov shortly before becoming chief of security for Akhmetov's company. "In [the 1990s], Akhmetov was very different – he was totally private with no public persona, and was trying to find ways to deal with his 'difficult past'", noted U.S. ambassador William Taylor, citing prominent Ukrainian businessman Serhiy Taruta.

In October 1995, Bragin, president of Shakhtar Donetsk football club, was killed in a mysterious bombing along with six of his bodyguards at the team's stadium during a match.{{cite news|title=Akhat Bragin|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/31849/|access-date=28 October 2010|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=10 December 2008}} Some rumours associate Akhmetov with the death of Bragin. Following the assassinations, Akhmetov is said to have "inherited a vast financial empire from Bragin". Akhmetov himself recalls that Akhat was a very close friend of him, his death was a big tragedy for him personally, and he narrowly escaped the explosion himself. “Many say that the bomb detonated in the box (at the stadium). It is a lie. The explosion happened in the tunnel (leading to the box area),” he said. “We arrived at the stadium together, five minutes late. His car pulled up first, mine was second. Because we were late, he left his car and rushed inside without waiting for me. The gap was like five seconds, no more than that. The explosion happened when I opened the door of my car.”[https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/decade-that-shaped-ukraine-how-1990s-made-donbas-what-it-is-today.html Donbas In The 1990s: How It Defined Ukraine’s Future]

File:Федоренко. baza12 copy.tif

Akhmetov headed Dongorbank, formerly Akceptbank, in 1995.{{cite web|url=http://delo.ua/wiki/Dongorbank-110689/|title=Донгорбанк|access-date=9 February 2015}}

In September 1999, an official Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs report titled the "Overview of the Most Dangerous Organized Crime Structures in Ukraine" identified Akhmetov as a leader of an organized crime syndicate. The report tied the group to money laundering, financial fraud, and the control of numerous large and fictitious companies.{{cite web|title=OC Prosecutions Rarely Successful in Ukraine|url=http://www.reportingproject.net/occrp/index.php/ccwatch/cc-watch-indepth/182-oc-prosecutions-rarely-successful-in-ukraine|publisher=Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project|date=21 November 2008|access-date=7 March 2012}}{{cite book|title=МВС України Головне управління по боротьбі з організованою злочинністю|year=1999|url=http://reportingproject.net/new/REPORTS/Document%20about%20Donetsk%20crime%20group.pdf}} The report also says that the group's activities "have been stopped," and says further that their criminal natures "have not been confirmed". In a written statement, System Capital Management said that the internal affairs report “has been fully and publicly shown to be a fraud and a forgery” — conclusions that SCM noted were “reached and publicly disclosed in November 2011” by a Ukrainian parliamentary committee and the Ministry of Interior.[https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/fincen-files-leak-of-banks-secret-documents-exposes-ukrainians-in-dirty-money-moves.html FinCEN Files: Leak of banks’ secret documents exposes Ukrainians in dirty money moves][https://www.icij.org/investigations/fincen-files/wired-to-make-money-barclays-private-bankers-serve-ultra-rich-as-watchdogs-sound-alarms/ ‘Wired to make money’: Barclays’ private bankers serve ultra-rich, as watchdogs sound alarms]

According to a leaked diplomatic cable, Volodymyr Horbulin, one of Ukraine's most respected policy strategists and former presidential advisor, told the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine in 2006 that the Party of Regions, which "enjoyed deep pockets, being largely financed by billionaire Donetsk boss Rinat Akhmetov" is partly composed of "pure criminals" and "criminal and anti-democracy figures".{{cite news|last=Grytsenko|first=Oksana|title=WikiLeaks: Regions Party partly composed of 'criminals' |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/121085/|access-date=24 January 2012|date=23 January 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124205400/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/politics/detail/121085/|archive-date=24 January 2012}} In a U.S. diplomatic cable dated 3 February 2006, then U.S. Ambassador John Herbst referred to Akhmetov's Party of Regions as "long a haven for Donetsk-based mobsters and oligarchs" and called Akhmetov the "godfather" of the Donetsk Clan.{{cite news|last=Rachkevych|first=Mark|title=WikiLeaks: Nation's businessmen tell tales on each other in chats with US ambassadors|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/business/bus_general/detail/112933/|access-date=25 January 2012|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=15 September 2011}} Further in that article cited the answer of the spokesperson for Akhmetov addressed to the Kyiv Post: "We don't know whether this phrase is authentic and what it actually means. Although, any accusations of Mr Akhmetov's involvement in criminal structures is slander."

In 2014, Rinat Akhmetov's support of the peace process in Donbas and his assistance to civilians in Donetsk and Luhansk regions were highly appreciated by the United States. U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey R. Pyatt who stated that he highly appreciates the efforts of Rinat Akhmetov “who has done probably more than anyone in this country to deliver food and clothes to victims of the violence occurring in Donbas”.[https://ukranews.com/interview/1048-posol-ssha-v-ukrayne-dzheffry-payett Посол США в Украине Джеффри Пайетт: Нужно, чтобы русские убрались из Донецка и Луганска]

After Ukraine's Orange Revolution of late 2004, in an attempt to fight corruption, several prominent businessmen who were also Party of Regions members came under criminal investigation.[https://archive.today/20120913202402/http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/publisher,IRBC,,UKR,45f147ba34,0.html Ukraine:Information on steps taken by the Yushchenko government to address government corruption (February 2006)], Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (13 March 2006) In 2011, Hennadiy Moskal, who in 2005 acted as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, gave an interview to Ukrainian magazine Профиль (profil-ua), where he claimed to have been under Presidential orders in 2005 to investigate and audit Akhmetov for his alleged role in organized crime. Concrete evidence was never officially revealed against him, nor his company.

According to Moskal, the MVS investigated all incidents related to missing people in 1990s in Donetsk region, who had any property left, and its current owners. No connections with Rinat Akhmetov and his entourage were found. Looking back, Moskal concluded that "we had nothing on Akhmetov in 2005". According to political journal's Post-Soviet Affairs, and The Nation, Akhmetov was investigated on murder charges and for his alleged role in organized crime in the Donetsk region. To avoid prosecution he was prompted to flee the country to Monaco.[http://www.profil-ua.com/index.phtml?action=view&art_id=2772 profil-ua.com] (Профиль политики №23 (192), 11 June 2011, Геннадий Москаль: "На Ахметова в 2005–м ничего не было. Просто Ющенко понадобился спонсор"] Hennadiy Moskal: "We had nothing on Akhmetov in 2005. Yushchenko just needed a sponsor"{{cite journal|author=Ivan Katchanovski|title=The Orange Evolution? The "Orange Revolution" and Political Changes in Ukraine|journal=Post-Soviet Affairs|date=14 November 2008|volume=24|issue=4|pages=364|doi=10.2747/1060-586X.24.4.351|s2cid=154469245}}{{cite journal|last=Ames|first=Mark|author2=Ari Berman |title=McCain's Kremlin Ties|journal=The Nation|date=20 October 2008|url=http://www.thenation.com/article/mccains-kremlin-ties?page=0,1|access-date=29 October 2010}}{{cite journal|last=Kuzio|first=Taras|title=Oligarchs wield power in Ukrainian politics|journal=Eurasia Daily Monitor|date=1 July 2008|volume=5|issue=125|url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=33765}}

In June 2005, Serhiy Kornich, then head of the Interior Ministry's economic crimes department, stated publicly that Akhmetov was "the head of [an] organized crime group."{{cite news|last=Onyshkiv|first=Yuriy|title=Lutsenko: Tymoshenko ties get you arrested|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/98289/|access-date=19 August 2011|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=25 February 2011}} That year, Borys Kolesnikov, a friend and associate who had been tied to Akhmetov since the 1980s, was arrested on charges of extortion and conspiracy to assassinate a rival Donetsk businessman. Charges against Akhmetov and Kolesnikov were dropped in 2006 amid a significant rise in political power by the former, and the cooperation of the Yuschenko government, ending Akhmetov's exile.

=SCM Group=

Akhmetov founded System Capital Management Group (JSC "SCM") in 2000. SCM is the largest diversified financial and industrial group in Ukraine with interests around the world. The structure of SCM Group includes more than 500 companies employing about 200 thousand people in Ukraine, the U.S., Europe, and across the globe.{{cite journal |last1=Denysenko |first1=Vadym |year=2020 |title=Donetsk financial-industrial groups consolidation at the turn of the XXI century |url=http://skhid.kubg.edu.ua/article/view/219301/219799 |access-date=24 February 2022 |location=Mariupol |journal=СХІД |volume=6 |number=170 |pages=10 |doi=10.21847/1728-9343.2020.6(170).219301 |s2cid=234384676 |issn=1728-9343|doi-access=free }}{{cite web |url=https://finance.ua/ua/saving/30-rokiv-nezalezhnosti-ukrainy |title=30 років незалежності України в ключових економічних подіях |author=Недашківський, Владислав |date=29 October 2021 |website=Finance.ua |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909091721/https://finance.ua/ua/saving/30-rokiv-nezalezhnosti-ukrainy |archive-date=9 September 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=30 years of Ukraine's independence in key economic events}}

SCM's main areas of interest and activities are metallurgy and coal mining, power generation, telecommunications, and banking. In various periods, Akhmetov controlled from 90% to 100% of the shares of SCM. He has been its sole proprietor since 2009.{{cite web |url=https://news.finance.ua/ru/news/-/157075/ahmetov-skontsentriroval-100-aktsij-skm |title=Ахметов сконцентрировал 100% акций СКМ |date=8 April 2009 |website=Finance.ua |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121011021/https://news.finance.ua/ru/news/-/157075/ahmetov-skontsentriroval-100-aktsij-skm |archive-date=21 January 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=Akhmetov concentrated 100% of SCM shares}}

The main assets of Rinat Akhmetov, according to information for 2022, include the following companies:The list is based on {{cite journal |last1=Ділай |first1=Н.Г. |year=2014 |title=Вітчизняний досвід функціонування холдингових структур у діяльності підприємств |trans-title=Domestic experience in the operation of holding structures in the activities of enterprises |url=http://irbis-nbuv.gov.ua/cgi-bin/irbis64r_81/cgiirbis_64.exe?C21COM=2&I21DBN=UJRN&P21DBN=UJRN&Z21ID=&IMAGE_FILE_DOWNLOAD=1&Image_file_name=PDF/Nvchu_ec_2014_717_22.pdf |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=uk |location=Chernivtsi |publisher=Chernivtsi University |journal=Науковий вісник Чернівецького університету |issue=717 |pages=99 |issn=2519-240X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107084253/http://irbis-nbuv.gov.ua/cgi-bin/irbis64r_81/cgiirbis_64.exe?C21COM=2&I21DBN=UJRN&P21DBN=UJRN&Z21ID=&IMAGE_FILE_DOWNLOAD=1&Image_file_name=PDF/Nvchu_ec_2014_717_22.pdf |archive-date=7 November 2021}}; (Excluded from the list: [https://finance.ua/ua/org/-/ua/banks/renesans-capital АТ «Банк РЕНЕСАНС КАПІТАЛ»], [https://lb.ua/economics/2021/11/22/499190_strahova_kompaniya_vuso_zayavila_pro.html УАСК «АСКА» and УАСК «АСКА-життя»], [https://biz.censor.net/news/3287108/vodafone_ukraina_zakryla_sdelku_po_pokupke_operatora_vega_u_holdinga_ahmetova «Vega telecom»], [https://interfax.com.ua/news/economic/277177.html «Life:)»], [https://biz.liga.net/ekonomika/tek/novosti/ahmetov-prodal-svoyu-set-azs-kto-pokupatel «parallel.ua»], [https://finbalance.com.ua/news/sud-likviduvav-kompaniyu-akhmetova-yakiy-nalezhala-rozdribna-merezha-brusnichka «UR»], [https://babel.ua/texts/68879-12-rokiv-tomu-v-donecku-vidkrili-donbas-arenu-yakim-buv-pershiy-elitniy-stadion-u-shidniy-yevropi-ta-yakim-vin-stav-za-sim-rokiv-bez-futbolu-u-20-foto Донбас Арена]; Added: [https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2082883 Transinvest holding])

  • SCM Holdings
  • Metinvest (mining and metallurgical business)
  • DTEK (energy industry)
  • First Ukrainian International Bank (finance)
  • Ukrtelecom (telecommunication business)
  • ESTA Holding (real estate)
  • Corum Group (mechanical engineering; formerly Ukrvuglemash and Mining Machines){{cite book |last1=Стариченко |first1=Л.Л. |last2=Череватський |first2=Д.Ю. |last3=Залознова |first3=Ю.С. |year=2016 |editor1-last=Амоша |editor1-first=О.І |title=Розвиток інституціонального середовища промислового виробництва з урахуванням галузевої специфіки |trans-title=Development of the institutional environment of industrial production taking into account industry specifics |url=https://iie.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/monografiyi/2016/2016_mono_Starychenko_Cherevatskiy_Zaloznova2016.pdf |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=NAN Ukraine, Institute of Industrial Economics |pages=27 |isbn=978-966-02-8014-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124003856/https://iie.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/monografiyi/2016/2016_mono_Starychenko_Cherevatskiy_Zaloznova2016.pdf |archive-date=24 January 2022}}
  • UMG Investments (investments; formerly United Mineral Group)
  • Portinvest, Lemtrans, Transinvest holding (transport business)
  • HarvEast Holding (agriculture)
  • FC Shakhtar Donetsk (sport)

According to Serhiy Holovnev and Yuriy Vinnichuk, in 2018 SCM enterprises paid ₴90.2 billion, or 22.6% of all tax revenues to the government budget of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://biz.censor.net/resonance/3108675/top100_platnikv_podatkv_2018_roku_gaz_tyutyun_ta_energetika |title=ТОП-100 платників податків 2018 року: газ, тютюн та енергетика |author=Головньов, Сергій; Віннічук, Юрій |date=29 January 2019 |website=Цензор.нет |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513010214/https://biz.censor.net/resonance/3108675/top100_platnikv_podatkv_2018_roku_gaz_tyutyun_ta_energetika |archive-date=13 May 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=TOP 100 taxpayers in 2018: gas, tobacco and energy}}; See also {{cite web |url=https://finance.liga.net/ekonomika/article/kormiltsy-natsii-kto-platil-nalogi-poslednie-pyat-let-top-30 |title=Кормильцы нации: кто платил налоги последние пять лет. Топ 30 |date=28 May 2019 |website=ЛІГА.net |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123014338/https://finance.liga.net/ekonomika/article/kormiltsy-natsii-kto-platil-nalogi-poslednie-pyat-let-top-30 |archive-date=23 January 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=The breadwinners of the nation: who paid taxes for the last five years. Top 30}}

In H1 2022, SCM paid about €1.2 billion in taxes to the national budget, becoming the country’s biggest private taxpayer in the wartime.[https://www.corriere.it/esteri/22_luglio_18/as-ukraine-becomes-more-european-we-can-get-rid-of-oligarchy-013a955a-06c6-11ed-baf6-636928468fea.shtml Interview with Akhmetov: Ukraine must win]

According to the results of 2022, the enterprises of the SCM investment group sent ₴73.2 billion (almost $2 billion) of taxes and fees to the budgets of all levels.[https://www.perild.com/2023/02/20/scm-paid-uah-73-2-billion-in-taxes-in-2022/ SCM paid UAH 73.2 billion in taxes in 2022][https://glavcom.ua/economics/business/kholdinh-akhmetova-scm-vidzvituvav-pro-splatu-podatkiv-za-2022-rik-909751.html Холдинг Ахметова SCM відзвітував про сплату податків за 2022 рік]

According to the results of 2023, Ukrainian, associated and joint enterprises of the SCM investment group paid $1.8 billion in taxes and fees to budgets of all levels . During the war, SCM increased its investments in Ukraine by one and a half times.[https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/99835/ Akhmetov's SCM holding boosted investment 50% to $835 mln in 2023][https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/investiciyna-grupa-scm-naroshchuye-investiciji-v-ukrajinu SCM Investment Group boosts investments in Ukraine][https://www.txtreport.com/business/2024-02-27-during-the-war--scm-increased-its-investments-in-ukraine-by-one-and-a-half-times.Skl-iqVs36.html During the war, SCM increased its investments in Ukraine by one and a half times]

NV Business analyzed the contribution of the 55 largest companies of Ukraine to aid to the country from February 24, 2022 to April 2024. SCM is in first place in terms of contribution. In total, this is UAH 8 billion. The publication notes that assistance to businesses is not limited to finance. In the country, "a new industry of defense tech was born" - the production of products necessary for soldiers. For example, SCM produces fortifications, protection for US Abrams tanks, and other things the military needs as part of the Steel Front initiative.[https://www.unian.ua/society/naybilshiy-privatniy-donor-zsu-scm-doslidzhennya-12614514.html Найбільший приватний донор ЗСУ - SCM: дослідження] The Steel Front initiative does not provide offensive materials{{source?|date=February 2025}}.

Mariupol-based Azovstal and Illich Iron and Steel Works, destroyed by Russia, were the backbone of Akhmetov's steel business. Other steel companies, Zaporizhstal and Kametstal, had to curtail production significantly.[https://daily.rbc.ua/rus/show/staleviy-front-k-rinat-ahmetov-postaviv-biznes-1663932698.html Сталевий фронт. Як Рінат Ахметов поставив бізнес на військові рейки]

Akhmetov's DTEK has lost 70% of renewables facilities and 30% of thermal power generation plants.[https://forbes.ua/ru/inside/dtek-rinata-akhmetova-vtrativ-70-zelenoi-generatsii-30-teplovoi-i-aktivi-na-desyatki-milyardiv-dolariv-yak-viyna-zminyue-biznes-model-kompanii-intervyu-maksima-timchenka-05072022-6971 ДТЭК Рината Ахметова лишился 70% зеленой генерации, 30% – тепловой и активов на «десятки миллиардов долларов». Как война меняет бизнес-модель компании. Интервью с Максимом Тимченко]

In 2023, DTEK commenced operations of the first phase of 565MW {{ill|Tylihul Wind Power Plant|uk|Тилігульська вітрова електростанція}} —the world's first wind farm built during a war, situated just 100 km from the front line.[https://www.power-technology.com/news/dtek-wind-power-plant-ukraine/ DTEK opens phase one of 500MW wind power plant in Ukraine][https://www.powermag.com/a-symbol-of-courage-and-invincibility-dtek-completes-wind-farm-despite-war/ A Symbol of Courage and Invincibility: DTEK Completes Wind Farm Despite War]

In 2023, Akhmetov was not afraid to complete and complete the second stage of the Tylihul wind farm, the largest in Europe.[https://tsn.ua/groshi/investiciyi-pid-chas-viyni-dtek-i-vestas-pobuduyut-naybilshu-vitrovu-elektrostanciyu-v-ukrayini-za-450-mln-yevro-2464537.html Інвестиції під час війни: ДТЕК і Vestas побудують найбільшу вітрову електростанцію в Україні за 450 млн євро]

DRI, a subsidiary of Akhmetov’s energy business DTEK, acquired an energy storage facility from the Polish company Columbus in late March 2024. Upon becoming operational, this facility will be the largest of its kind in Poland and one of the largest in Europe.[https://dri-energy.com/news/dri-enters-polish-renewables-market/ DRI enters Polish renewables market to build the first large-scale battery storage project in the country][https://biz.liga.net/en/all/tek/novosti/dtek-ahmetova-investiruet-v-polshu-budet-stroit-sistemu-nakopleniya-energii-u-krakova Energy giant DTEK invests in Poland with plans for large battery storage facility near Krakow]

World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is supporting efforts to rebuild country's energy system after brutal russian attacks: Usyk is partnering energy company DTEK to draw global attention to the plight of Ukraine's civilian power system.[https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5682630 DTEK: Fight for Light: Oleksandr Usyk to support rebuilding of Ukraine's shattered energy sector]

Critics point out that at different times SCM used the political conjuncture for its development. For example, in 2004 Akhmetov and Pinchuk privatized Kryvorizhstal for $0.8 billion. But in 2005, re-privatization was carried out: the plant was bought by Mittal Steel Company for $4.8 billion.{{cite web |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/business/monopolies-thrive-as-toothless-state-bows-to-mogul-62087.html |title=Monopolies thrive as toothless state bows to moguls |author=Marone, John |date=19 March 2010 |website=Kyiv Post |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812112106/https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/business/monopolies-thrive-as-toothless-state-bows-to-mogul-62087.html |archive-date=12 August 2018}}{{cite journal |last1=Воронянський |first1=О.В. |year=2021 |title=Еволюція системи державної влади України в 2004–2019 рр. у контексті конкурентної боротьби ресурсозабезпечених бізнес-груп |trans-title=The evolution of the system of state power in Ukraine in 2004–2019 in the context of competitive struggle of resource-provided business groups |url=http://dspace.khntusg.com.ua/bitstream/123456789/19066/1/Воронянс_кий-34-49.pdf |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=uk |location=Kharkiv |publisher=H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University |journal=Матеріали Всеукраїнської наукової конференції «Українське державотворення: історичний аспект», 28 травня 2021 р. |pages=38–39}} In January 2014 SCM businesses won 31% of all state tenders.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26277970 |title=Ukraine crisis: Oligarchs are Yanukovych's weakest link |author=Lutsevych Orysia |date=20 February 2014 |website=BBC |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120230205/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26277970 |archive-date=20 January 2022}}

At the same time, researchers note that SCM Group has been trying to be a transparent corporation since its inception.{{cite journal |last1=Matuszak |first1=Sławomir |year=2012 |title=The oligarchic democracy the influence of business groups on Ukrainian politics |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/76798391.pdf |access-date=24 February 2022 |location=Warsaw |publisher=Centre for Eastern Studies; Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia |journal=OSW Studies |number=42 |pages=11 |isbn=978-83-62936-14-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113051325/https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/76798391.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2020}}{{cite journal |last1=Ослунд |first1=Андерс |year=2004 |title=Олигархия в сравнении: Россия, Украина и Соединенные штаты |trans-title=Oligarchy Compared: Russia, Ukraine, and the United States |url=http://old.research.by/pdf/2004n4r06.pdf |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=ru |location=Minsk |publisher=The Research Center of the Institute for Privatization and Management |journal=Эковест |volume=4 |number=4 |pages=675}} SCM was one of the first in Ukraine to begin publishing social reports (2007).{{cite journal |last1=Буковинська |first1=М. П. |last2=Пономаренко |first2=Р. А. |year=2015 |title=Соціальний аудит в оцінці корпоративної соціальної відповідальності |trans-title=Social audit in the assessment of corporate social responsibility |url=http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/Npnukht_2015_21_4_5 |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=National University of Food Technologies |journal=Наукові праці Національного університету харчових технологій |volume=21 |number=4 |pages=34, 36–37 |issn=2225-2924}} It was several times the leader in the rankings of Ukraine's "Socially Responsible Companies", and in 2011, together with its subsidiaries Metinvest and DTEK, it entered the top five of the Index of Transparency and Accountability of Companies in Ukraine.{{cite journal |last1=Ємельянова |first1=Н.А. |year=2013 |title=Особливості розвитку державно-приватного партнерства в європейських країнах |url=https://jbsec.donnu.edu.ua/article/view/667 |access-date=24 February 2022 |language=uk |location=Rostov-on-DonDonetsk |publisher=Donetsk National University |journal=Problems and Prospects of Cooperation Between Countries of South-Eastern Europe within Context of Black Sea Economic Cooperation and GUAM |pages=163–164 |issn=1990-9187}}

During 2023, DTEK paid UAH 40.2 billion in taxes. During the full-scale war (from 2022), his company invested $1 billion in Ukraine in power grids, repairs and restoration of power plants, construction of new capacities, as well as sustainable production of coal, oil and gas.

His companies are trusted in the USA,[https://www.epravda.com.ua/rus/news/2020/08/27/664420/ Компании Ахметова получии кредиты от правительства США] and he will transport LNG to Ukraine in 2024.[https://biz.liga.net/all/tek/novosti/dtek-ahmetova-zaklyuchil-kontrakt-na-import-szhizhennogo-gaza-iz-ssha-ft ДТЭК Ахметова заключил контракт на импорт сжиженного газа из США – FT]

In the middle of 2023, Bloomberg states that due to the invasion, the oligarchs in Ukraine hid a significant part of their influence.[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-06/how-to-rebuild-ukraine-root-out-corruption-oligarchs Ukraine Has Decimated Its Oligarchs But Now Fears New Ones]

=Wealth=

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Rinat Akhmetov has been number one in Korrespondent magazine annual Ukraine's Top 50 richest people rating with the estimated wealth of:

  • 2006 – $11.8 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2006 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116011806/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2006 |date=16 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2006 (Richest Ukrainians list 2006).
  • 2007 – $15.6 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2007 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116011910/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2007 |date=16 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2007 (Richest Ukrainians list 2007).
  • 2008 – $31.1 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2008 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116011941/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2008 |date=16 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2008 (Richest Ukrainians list 2008).
  • 2009 – $9.6 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2009 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116011841/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2009 |date=16 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2009 (Richest Ukrainians list 2009).
  • 2010 – $17.8 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2010 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804071402/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2010 |date=4 August 2012}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2010 (Richest Ukrainians list 2010).
  • 2011 – $25.6 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2011/1227619 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125045325/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2011/1227619 |date=25 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2011 (Richest Ukrainians list 2011).
  • 2012 – $17.8 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2012/1433983 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116005506/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2012/1433983 |date=16 January 2013}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2012 (Richest Ukrainians list 2012).
  • 2013 – $18.3 bn[http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2013/1631584 Корреспондент.net (Korrespondent)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213162446/http://files.korrespondent.net/projects/top50/2013/1631584 |date=13 February 2014}}, Рейтинг самых богатых украинцев 2013 (Richest Ukrainians list 2013).
  • 2014 – $10.1 bn{{cite web |url=https://bin.ua/news/economics/economic/163984-v-trojke-samyx-bogatyx-ukraincev-po-versii-novogo.html |title=В тройке самых богатых украинцев по версии "Нового времени" — Ахметов, Боголюбов и Коломойский |date=31 October 2014 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124012548/https://bin.ua/news/economics/economic/163984-v-trojke-samyx-bogatyx-ukraincev-po-versii-novogo.html |archive-date=24 November 2020 |language=ru |trans-title=Among the three richest Ukrainians according to "New Time" — Akhmetov, Bogolyubov and Kolomoisky}}
  • 2019 – $7.7 bn{{cite web |url=https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4143904-100-naibahatshykh-reitynh-korrespondenta |title=100 найбагатших. Рейтинг Корреспондента |date=27 September 2019 |website=Korrespondent |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001181229/https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4143904-100-naibahatshykh-reitynh-korrespondenta |archive-date=1 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=100 richest. Korrespondent's rating}}
  • 2020 – $7.7 bn{{cite web |url=https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4293935-100-naibilsh-zamozhnykh-reitynh-korrespondenta |title=100 Найбільш заможних. Рейтинг Корреспондента |date=11 November 2020 |website=Korrespondent |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112074658/https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4293935-100-naibilsh-zamozhnykh-reitynh-korrespondenta |archive-date=12 November 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=100 The richest. Korrespondent's rating}}
  • 2021 – $8.5 bn{{cite news |url=https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/4411283-top-100-samykh-bohatykh-ukrayntsev-reitynh-korrespondenta |title=ТОП-100 самых богатых украинцев. Рейтинг Корреспондента |date=28 October 2021 |website=Korrespondent |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109120055/https://korrespondent.net/ukraine/4411283-top-100-samykh-bohatykh-ukrayntsev-reitynh-korrespondenta |archive-date=9 November 2021 |language=ru |trans-title=TOP-100 richest Ukrainians. Korrespondent's Rating|last1=Net |first1=Korrespondent }}

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Forbes{{'}} The World's Billionaires rating:

  • 2006 – No. 451 with a net worth of $1.7 bil{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/JIRK.html |title=#451 Rinat Akhmetov |date=13 February 2006 |work=Forbes}}
  • 2007 – No. 214 with $4.0 bn{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/10/07billionaires_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html |work=Forbes |title=#214 Rinat Akhmetov |date=8 March 2007}}
  • 2008 – No. 127 with $7.3 bn{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/10/billionaires08_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html |work=Forbes |title=#127 Rinat Akhmetov |date=5 March 2008}}
  • 2009 – No. 397 with $1.8 bn{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/10/billionaires-2009-richest-people_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html |work=Forbes |title=#397 Rinat Akhmetov -The World's Billionaires 2009 |date=11 March 2009}}
  • 2010 – No. 148 with $5.2 bn{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html |work=Forbes |title=#148 Rinat Akhmetov |date=10 March 2010}}
  • 2011 – No. 39 with $16 bn.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov |work=Forbes|title=#39 Rinat Akhmetov |date=March 2012}}
  • 2012 – No. 39 with $16 bn.
  • 2013 – No. 47 with $15.4 bn.
  • 2015 – No. 201 with $6.7 bn.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?list=billionaires|title=Rinat Akhmetov |date=19 January 2016 |work=Forbes}}
  • 2016 – No. 771 with $3.4 bn.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?list=billionaires|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311164038/http://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?list=billionaires|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2015|title=Rinat Akhmetov |date=11 January 2017 |work=Forbes}}
  • 2017 – No. 359 with $4.6 bn{{cite web |url=https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2017/03/21/622872/ |title=Ахметов за рік став вдвічі багатшим — Forbes |date=21 March 2017 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001175727/https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2017/03/21/622872/ |archive-date=1 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Akhmetov became twice as rich in a year — Forbes}}
  • 2018 – No. 334 with $5.5 bn{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-43308045 |title=У рейтингу мільярдерів Forbes 7 українців |newspaper=BBC News Україна |date=6 March 2018 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001175406/https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-43308045 |archive-date=1 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=In the ranking of Forbes billionaires 7 Ukrainians}}
  • 2019 – No. 272 with $6 bn{{cite web |url=https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2019/03/5/645839/ |title=У рейтинг Forbes потрапили сім українців |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001175404/https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2019/03/5/645839/ |archive-date=1 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Seven Ukrainians were included in the Forbes rating}}
  • 2020 – No. 875 with $2.4 bn{{cite web |url=https://www.unian.ua/economics/finance/10949774-shist-ukrajinciv-uviyshli-do-reytingu-milyarderiv-forbes-ahmetov-za-rik-vtrativ-600-poziciy.html |title=Шість українців увійшли до рейтингу мільярдерів Forbes: Ахметов за рік втратив 600 позицій |date=8 April 2020 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001175403/https://www.unian.ua/economics/finance/10949774-shist-ukrajinciv-uviyshli-do-reytingu-milyarderiv-forbes-ahmetov-za-rik-vtrativ-600-poziciy.html |archive-date=1 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Six Ukrainians were included in the ranking of Forbes billionaires: Akhmetov lost 600 positions in a year}}
  • 2021 – No. 327 with $7.6 bn{{cite web |url=https://biz.nv.ua/ukr/markets/reyting-milyarderiv-forbes-2021-bezos-na-1-misci-v-sviti-ahmetov-v-ukrajini-ostanni-novini-50152409.html |title=Ахметов відіграв позиції в глобальному рейтингу Forbes, але його статок в 23 рази менший, ніж у Безоса |date=6 April 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Akhmetov regains positions in Forbes global rankings, but his fortune is 23 times smaller than Bezos's}}
  • 2022 – No. 687 with $4.3 bn{{cite web |title=Rinat Akhmetov |website=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411202848/https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?sh=3b73d24c24fa |archive-date=2023-04-11 |url-status=live |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?sh=3b73d24c24fa}}
  • 2023 - No. 442 with $5.7 bn{{cite web |title=Rinat Akhmetov |website=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321174256/https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?list=billionaires |archive-date=2023-03-21 |url-status=live |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/rinat-akhmetov/?list=billionaires&sh=26f79d5724fa}}
  • 2024 - No. 785 with $4 bn[https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/ Billionaires]

{{col-end}}

File:Федоренко. g1.tif]]

In 2018 Akhmetov's fortune was valued at approx. $5.9 billion. Bloomberg reported that he was the richest person in Ukraine and that he had regained all of his losses suffered after the conflict with Russia in 2013–2014.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-25/richest-man-in-ukraine-climbs-back-after-wealth-destroyed-by-war|title=Richest Man in Ukraine Climbs Back After Wealth Destroyed by War|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=25 September 2018|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=3 October 2018}} Rinat Akhmetov's key assets are based in the east and south of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, he has lost two thirds of his fortune, including steel, energy and agricultural assets. Overall, the invaders have destroyed about 70 companies owned by Rinat Akhmetov.[https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/staleviy-front-yak-rinat-ahmetov-postaviv-biznes-na-viyskovi-reyki Steel Front: How Rinat Akhmetov has switched his business to wartime operations][https://ua.korrespondent.net/business/companies/4492912-okupanty-zruinuvaly-blyzko-70-pidpryiemstv-SCM Окупанти зруйнували близько 70 підприємств SCM][https://forbes.ua/inside/akhmetov-26072022-7344 Бізнес-анатомія імперії Ріната Ахметова. Наскільки збіднів через війну найбагатший українець. Оцінка Forbes]

In February 2023 all of Akhmetov's assets in Russian occupied Donbas were confiscated. The local Russian installed authorities justified this by declaring Akhmetov a "rogue individual."{{Cite news |date=10 February 2023|access-date=24 February 2023|language=English|title=Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov no longer has assets in Donbass, DPR head says|url=https://tass.com/society/1574955|work=TASS}}

Political activity

Akhmetov has been noted as a financier and unofficial leader of the Party of Regions political party.

Following the Orange Revolution, Akhmetov was pivotal in arranging a lasting relationship between his employee and close friend Paul Manafort and defeated presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovich.{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Kramer |first2=Andrew |date=31 July 2016 |title=How Paul Manafort Wielded Power in Ukraine Before Advising Donald Trump |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/01/us/paul-manafort-ukraine-donald-trump.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=7 November 2016}}

In a September 2007 diplomatic cable released between prominent Ukrainian business partners Serhiy Taruta, Vitaliy Haiduk, and U.S. ambassador William Taylor, Taruta alleged that Akhmetov had in 1997 persuaded Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma to appoint Viktor Yanukovych governor of Donetsk oblast, who then made Haiduk his deputy. Akhmetov's spokesperson refused comment on the matter, and Haiduk denied the conversation taking place.

Akhmetov was elected as a member of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada (parliament) during the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election, as a member of the Party of Regions.[https://www.forbes.com/lists/2007/10/07billionaires_Rinat-Akhmetov_JIRK.html The World's Billionaires – #214 Rinat Akhmetov], Forbes (3 August 2007){{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2011/02/2/5870436/ Янукович отримав контрольний пакет у парламенті], Ukrainska Pravda (2 February 2011) Akhmetov was reelected during the 2007 parliamentary election, again as a member of the Party of Regions.[http://www.unian.info/news/238922-rinat-akhmetov-is-the-richest-person-of-ukraine-by-version-of-focus-magazine.html Rinat Akhmetov is the richest person of Ukraine by version of Focus magazine], Ukrainian Independent Information Agency (29 February 2008) He only appeared once in the Verkhovna Rada building during his inauguration.

Leader of the party's faction in the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksander Yefremov, has mentioned that Rinat Akhmetov provides "substantive support" to the faction by providing what he referred to as "functioning expert groups he established that are counseling on draft laws".[http://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/1191205-efremov-rasskazal-pochemu-ahmetov-ne-hodit-v-radu-i-poobeshchal-maksimalnuyu-yavku-regionalov Корреспондент.net. (Korrespondent)], 28 February 2011, Ефремов рассказал, почему Ахметов не ходит в Раду, и пообещал максимальную явку регионалов (Efremov explained why Akhmetov does not go to the Rada, and promised a maximum attendance by members of the Party of the Regions).[http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-423703.html UNIAN], 1 March 2011, Yefremov "justified" absentee Akhmetov. In December 2011 Akhmetov announced he was not going to participate in the 2012 parliamentary election.{{in lang|uk}} [http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2011/12/19/6849412/ Ахметов більше не піде в депутати (Akhmetov will not contest parliamentary elections)], Ukrainska Pravda (19 December 2011)

U.S. diplomatic cables revealed that Akhmetov posted $2 million bail in 2007 for the release of three members of the Party of Regions, including former Sumy Governor Volodymyr Shcherban, who was accused of election rigging, extortion, tax evasion and abuse of office.[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/120860/ Kyiv Post], 19 January 2012, US cables show skepticism, warnings about Yanukovych.

=Reaction to the south-eastern conflict in Ukraine=

Akhmetov has denied claims made by Pavel Gubarev (self-proclaimed "People's Governor" of the Donetsk People's Republic) in an interview published in the Russian state-controlled newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta on 12 May 2014. "Pavel Gubarev alleges that I bribed two thirds of the activists. I am firmly stating that I have never given and will never give anyone even a cent of bribe", replied Akhmetov.{{cite web|url=http://interfax.com.ua/news/general/204478.html|title=Ахметов опроверг заявление самопровозглашенного губернатора Губарева о финансировании им протестного движения в Донецкой области|work=Интерфакс-Украина|access-date=9 February 2015}}

According to Gubarev, Akhmetov has financed the separatist movement in the region, and that the separatists "all took money" from Akhmetov and others, saying that "As it turned out, two-thirds of the activists were supported by the oligarch Akhmetov". On 10 May 2014, Akhmetov's Metinvest company announced it would be forming an unarmed militia of steelworker employees to stop looting by separatists and criminals in the city of Mariupol.[http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/donetsk-peoples-governor-claims-akhmetov-is-financing-separatism-347469.html Kyiv Post], Billionaire Akhmetov denies claims that he finances separatism (UPDATE), 12 May 2014.[http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1695464-metinvest_sozdaet_druzhiny_rabochikh_dlya_okhrany_poryadka_v_mariupole.htm ЛIГАБiзнесIнформ (Liga Business Information)]Заводы Ахметова создают дружины для защиты Мариуполя от мародеров [Akhmetov factories create squads to protect Mariupol from looters], 11 May 2014.

In a 19 May (2014) breaking news message on Ukrayina TV, Akhmetov claimed the representative "of this Donetsk People's Republic" were committing "genocide of Donbas".[https://news.pn/en/politics/104499 Akhmetov called a strike at the enterprises in protest], Ukrainian Media Group (20 May 2014)
[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27483719 Ukrainian tycoon Rinat Akhmetov confronts rebellion], BBC News (20 May 2014)
[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/205611.html Akhmetov's "Peace March" in Donetsk took 20 minutes], Interfax-Ukraine (20 May 2014)
[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/205526.html Businessman Akhmetov condemns 'genocide of Donbas,' calls for peaceful rally against 'Donetsk People's Republic'], Interfax-Ukraine (20 May 2014)
At his initiative the next day a so-called Peace March was held in the stadium Donbass Arena in Donetsk accompanied by cars beeping their horns at noon. Akhmetov has vowed that "siren [will be] ringing every day at noon across all of Donbas until peace is established".

Akhmetov is helping the victims of the war in Donbas in South-Eastern Ukraine. As of March 2014 he had allocated ₴35 million{{cite web|url=http://zn.ua/UKRAINE/fond-ahmetova-organizoval-vyvoz-lyudey-iz-goryachih-tochek-donbassa-145604_.html|title=Фонд Ахметова организовал вывоз людей из горячих точек Донбасса|work=Зеркало недели – Дзеркало тижня – Mirror Weekly|access-date=9 February 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/help/vostok|title="Humanitarian center" — the line of action of Charitable Foundation|access-date=9 February 2015}} for this assistance. The Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Centre was established in August 2014 to provide maximum assistance to all civilians of Donetsk and Luhansk Regions affected by the military actions. The centre has pooled resources of the Foundation and all of SCM Group's businesses and FC Shakhtar.{{cite web|url=http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/humcenter|title=About us – Humanitarian center – Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center|website=fdu.org.ua|access-date=18 May 2017}} The activity of the centre is dedicated to financial, humanitarian, medical and psychological assistance for the victims of the conflict in the South-Eastern Ukraine, and evacuation from the hot spots in the East of Ukraine.{{cite web|url=http://tv5.zp.ua/news/548/%D0%A4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D0%A0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%90%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D1%8D%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B5%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8C%D0%B8-%D1%81-%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B0?page=3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140802084008/http://tv5.zp.ua/news/548/%D0%A4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D0%A0%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%90%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D1%8D%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B5%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8C%D0%B8-%D1%81-%D0%94%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B0?page=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 August 2014|title=Фонд Рината Ахметова эвакуирует семьи с Донбасса|access-date=9 February 2015}}

In August 2014 Akhmetov's Foundation for Development of Ukraine started a project called Humanitarian Aid Drives.{{cite web|url=http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/humtrip|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217160321/http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/humtrip|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2015|title=Humanitarian aid drive|access-date=18 May 2017}} The purpose of this project is the regular delivery of food and children's packages to Donbas. As of October 2016 over 10 million food packages were provided to IDPs and residents of 57 districts and settlements of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.{{cite web|url=http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/hum_center/stat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419061300/http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/hum_center/stat|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 April 2016|title=Humanitarian aid statistics – Humanitarian center – Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center|website=fdu.org.ua|access-date=18 May 2017}} The package includes flour, sugar, cereals, oats, tinned foods, sunflower oil, stew, pasta, canned corn, gingerbreads and condensed milk.

Akhmetov has made numerous statements, since March 2014, appealing for integrity of Ukraine and finding peaceful solutions of the crisis. He believes decentralization should be part of this peaceful solution.[http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/330349.html Akhmetov willing to do anything to stop war in Donbas – press secretary], Interfax-Ukraine (12 March 2014)

In March 2017, protesters attacked Akhmetov's offices in Russian controlled areas.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/protesters-attack-akhmetovs-office-russias-alfa-bank|title=Protesters attack Akhmetov's office, Russia's Alfa Bank {{!}} KyivPost|work=Kyiv Post|access-date=18 June 2017}} Pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region seized control of companies owned by energy conglomerate DTEK, and steel company Metinvest, both owned by Akhmetov. Companies in the region controlled by the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) took control of several Akhmetov owned companies.{{Cite news|url=http://www.intellinews.com/ukraine-rebels-seize-billionaire-akhmetov-s-enterprises-in-donbas-116769/|title=Ukraine rebels expropriate billionaire Akhmetov's enterprises in Donbas {{!}} bne IntelliNews|access-date=18 June 2017}}

Continued protests throughout 2017 led to allegations of corruption and profiteering between Akhmetov and President Petro Poroshenko, specifically over pricing for domestic coal suppliers and the buyout of DTEK debts by the government.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/protesters-kyiv-call-poroshenkos-resignation-blame-obstructing-key-reforms|title=Protesters in Kyiv call for Poroshenko's resignation, blame him for obstructing key reforms {{!}} KyivPost|work=Kyiv Post|access-date=19 February 2018}} On 27 August 2020, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) dismissed the criminal case concerning Rotterdam+ due to the lack of elements of crime. According to the SAPO, the investigation of suspects was closed as Rotterdam+ had not generated any losses[https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/prosecutor-in-rotterdam-investigation-rejects-bringing-case-to-court.html Prosecutor in Rotterdam+ investigation rejects bringing case to court]

= Quitting media business =

In November 2021 Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Akhmetov of being enlisted to help plan a coup against him by Russia.{{Cite news|title=Ukraine's Zelensky alleges Russia plotting coup against him for next week|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-russia-coup/2021/11/26/16e51c80-4e0d-11ec-a7b8-9ed28bf23929_story.html|access-date=2021-11-28|issn=0190-8286}} Akhmetov has denied these claims, calling the allegations "an absolute lie." The allegations were the culmination of a dispute between Zelensky and Akhmetov, as part of Zelensky anti-corruption clean-up efforts. Akhmetov is a noted opponent of Zelensky. His TV channels backed one of his opponents in the 2019 election and have been increasingly critical in coverage of Zelensky. Especially since the government failed to reimburse one of his energy company subsidiaries for green energy purchased by state companies.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-27|title=Ukraine's president alleges coup attempt involving country's richest man|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-zelenskiy-coup-akhmetov-russia/|access-date=2021-11-28|website=Politico|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|title=The President And The Tycoon: Could A Fight Between Ukraine's Leader And Its Richest Man Lead To Real Change?|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=25 November 2021 |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/31579310.html|access-date=2021-11-28|agency=Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty|language=en |last1=Prince |first1=Todd |last2=Solonyna |first2=Yevhen }}

Akhmetov says that he does not interfere with the channels’ editorial policy and that it's the "guests who come to the channels" and not the channels themselves that criticize Zelensky.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/22/ukraine-zelensky-akhmetov-poroshenko/ |title=With Russian troops massing on the border, Ukraine's Zelensky focuses instead on internal foes |author=David L. Stern, Isabelle Khurshudyan |date=22 December 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=5 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226094222/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/22/ukraine-zelensky-akhmetov-poroshenko/ |archive-date=26 December 2021}} In turn, Zelensky's MPs have boycotted what they view as hostile media.{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8e5e09fc-e49b-49bb-8635-93752d207cfe |title=Ukraine president fights oligarch on home front as Russia threat looms |author=Roman Olearchyk |date=19 December 2021 |website=Financial Times |access-date=5 February 2022}} Akhmetov announced on 11 July 2022 that he would surrender licences of top television channels to the government and shut down both print and internet media to comply with so-called “de-oligarchisation” legislation aimed at curbing the influence of oligarchs. “I made an involuntary decision that my investment company SCM will exit its media business,” Akhmetov said in a statement.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jul/11/russia-ukraine-war-live-news-dozens-remain-trapped-after-russian-strike-zelenskiy-says-donetsk-attack-purposely-targeted-civilians Death toll in Chasiv Yar continues to rise – as it happened][https://www.ft.com/content/778b5220-23fa-4041-9f80-7fa29ee27906#post-68c87500-b25e-4156-a288-07ea828f26e4 Klarna valuation cut to less than $7bn in funding round]

The Minister of Justice, Denys Maliuska, said that Rinat Akhmetov no longer fits the definition of an oligarch, as he has left the media business, and his business partner Vadym Novynskyi has completed the mandate of the Peopleʼs Deputy.[https://babel.ua/en/amp/news/81462-the-minister-of-justice-rinat-akhmetov-no-longer-fits-the-definition-of-an-oligarch The Minister of Justice: Rinat Akhmetov no longer fits the definition of an oligarch]

= Activities during the Russian invasion =

Akhmetov is the largest donor to the United Armed Forces of Ukraine.[https://biz.nv.ua/ukr/economics/skm-fondi-pinchuka-ta-poroshenka-naybilshi-donori-zsu-ta-gumanitarnih-potreb-nv-biznes-50395832.html Топ-3 компанії, які найбільше задонатили на ЗСУ та гуманітарні потреби за час великої війни]

"I have said more than once and I will say it again: happy Donetsk, happy Donbas can only be in a united and happy Ukraine," he said on February 16, 2022.[https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/798798.html Донецьк може бути щасливим тільки в єдиній Україні - Ахметов]

Financial Times reports that Rinat Akhmetov has allocated €100 million in humanitarian aid and support for the Ukrainian military during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[https://www.ft.com/content/1fd54343-ec7d-405e-a24f-78e4ba6446f6 Ukraine’s ‘lost’ oligarchs: from political power to wartime crowdfunders] SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Shakhtar Football Club have sent more than $223 million to help the country, the military and civilians during the 24 months of the full-scale invasion.[https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/967393.html СКМ: За 2 роки повномасштабної війни Ахметов спрямував 7,6 млрд грн на допомогу Україні та українцям, у 2024р. наростить ці зусилля]

As of May 2024 they have collectively provided over $258 million (more than €242 million) in aid.[https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/naybilsha-privatna-pidtrimka-z-pochatku-povnomasshtabnoji-viyni-rinat-ahmetov-spryamuvav-vzhe-9-mlrd-grn-na-dopomogu-ukrajini-ta-ukrajincyam Largest Private Support: Since the Start of the Full-Scale War, Rinat Akhmetov Has Directed UAH 9 Billion to Support Ukraine and Ukrainians][https://bunatimes.com/economy/275757.html Akhmetov revealed the value of aid to Ukraine during the war]

On February 22, as hundreds took to the streets of Mariupol to protest Russia's actions, Akhmetov announced SCM would pay 1 billion ($34 million) in taxes in advance to shore up state finances.{{cite web |title=Richest Ukrainians With Billions To Lose Close Ranks As Putin Unleashes War |website=Forbes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330192605/https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/02/24/richest-ukrainians-with-billions-to-lose-close-ranks-as-putin-unleashes-war/ |archive-date=2023-03-30 |url-status=live |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2022/02/24/richest-ukrainians-with-billions-to-lose-close-ranks-as-putin-unleashes-war}}

The Azovstal plant in Mariupol, owned by Akhmetov, was the site of fierce fighting during the Siege of Mariupol and was almost completely destroyed.[https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/mariupol-official-ukraines-major-steelmaker-oligarch-akhmetovs-azovstal-completely-destroyed/ Mariupol official: Ukraine’s major steelmaker, oligarch Akhmetov’s Azovstal completely destroyed]

In the comment to The Wall Street Journal Akhmetov stated that both steel plants in Mariupol were under Ukrainian control, but that the plants were temporarily shut down, saying, "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."{{cite news |title=Ukrainians Flee Mariupol as Russian Forces Push to Take Port City |website=The Wall Street Journal |date=22 March 2022 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainians-flee-mariupol-as-russian-forces-push-to-take-port-city-11647947707 |last1=Coles |first1=Isabel }}

In January 2023, Akhmetov announced the launch of the Heart of Azovstal project to help Mariupol defenders and the families of fallen soldiers. He donated $25 million to finance the project.[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/mikhailo-mudryk-chelsea-transfer-fee-ukraine-b2262933.html Akhmetov, Mudryk, and Chelsea]

As a result of the invasion, Akhmetov's fortune dropped from nearly $14 billion to less than $6 billion in just two weeks, and may likely be much less, according to Forbes. According to Akhmetov, "A total ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and full restoration of the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. That includes the Crimea and Donbas" were his terms of a Ukrainian victory in the conflict. "My Foundation is helping Ukrainians survive by providing water, food, medicines, and any help we can give here and now. SCM businesses are helping the army and territorial defense forces to defend our sovereignty, our freedom, and independence, and win the war ... I am working with my company and my people. I am doing everything I can. I am confident that other people are doing the same."[https://www.forbes.com/sites/luisakroll/2022/03/10/ukraines-richest-man-rinat-akhmetov-says-hes-doing-everything-he-can-to-help-his-country/ Ukraine’s Richest Man Says He’s Doing Everything He Can To Help His Country, And Sparing No Expense]

In 2024, it became known that Akhmetov's fortune is estimated at $4 billion (via Forbes). This is $1.7 billion less the figure from 2023.[https://forbes.ua/news/pyat-ukraintsiv-potrapili-u-globalniy-reyting-forbes-statki-usikh-ikh-za-rik-skorotilisya-02042024-20281 Без Коломойського. Пʼять українців залишилось у глобальному рейтингу мільярдерів від Forbes]

In December 2022, the Washington Post called Mr Akhmetov Ukraine's biggest private donor during the war, who provided over $100 million in military and humanitarian aid, "from drones to food".

One year into the war, in February 2023, the SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the Shakhtar football club provided assistance to Ukraine, the military and civilians for $150 million in goods and services, including infrastructure repair and energy supplies. Assistance reached more than 18 million people across the country and includes body armor, vehicles, equipment and fortifications for the Ukrainian Defence Forces, medicines and other humanitarian aid for civilians, and efforts to keep critical infrastructure up and running.[https://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/4550164-akhmetov-za-rik-peredav-na-dopomohu-ukraini-43-mlrd-hrn-zmi Ахметов за рік передав на допомогу Україні 43 млрд грн][https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2023/02/23/ukraines-richest-billionaire-on-upending-putins-expectations-one-year-into-russias-war Ukraine's Richest Billionaire On Upending Putin's Expectations. One Year Into Russias War]

As of August 2023, the total assistance provided by Mr Akhmetov during the war reached more than 165 million euros ($175 mln).[https://au.topnews.media/2023/07/04/the-ukrainian-businessmans-companies-have-directed-5-5-billion-to-help-the-country-and-citizens-since-the-beginning-of-the-great-war/ The Ukrainian businessman’s companies have directed 5.5 billion to help the country and citizens since the beginning of the great war][https://shakhtar.com/en/news/2023/july/4_news/4_scm_rinat-akhmetov-foundation_fc-shakhtar/ UAH 5.5 billion to help Ukraine and Ukrainians][https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2023/08/24/rinat-akhmetov-allocates-165m-eur-over-18-months-to-support-the-ukrainian-armed-forces-and-civilians/ Rinat Akhmetov Allocates 165M EUR Over 18 Months to Support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Civilians]

Over 24 months of the full-scale invasion, SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and FC Shakhtar have collectively channelled more than $223 million (€210 million) towards helping Ukraine, its military, and civilians.[Akhmetov announced the amount of aid to Ukraine for two years of war https://bunatimes.com/economy/245221.html]

The Saving Lives initiative established by Metinvest, in concert with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, was meant to prevent a food crisis in Ukraine in the wartime. Contributions from the international partners and benefactors has helped provide 442,326[https://savinglives.scm.com.ua/en/reports/ Reports] people with many kinds of assistance.[https://gmk.center/en/news/almost-70-communities-receive-help-from-the-saving-lives-project/ Almost 70 communities receive help] It hands over food packages, hygiene kits, and medicines to Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Kherson, and Odesa regions, taking care of shelters, and supporting local administrations.

Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front is an initiative launched by businessman Rinat Akhmetov to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other defence forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in 2022.[https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/878331.html UNITED24, Metinvest raise over UAH 94 mln by distributing 100,000 bracelets made from pre-war Azovstal steel]

SCM's businesses provide an extensive support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defenders, the National Guard, National Police, Main Intelligence Directorate, and other military and security units. Metinvest also works to protect conscripted employees, utility workers, rescuers, military doctors, representatives of the national media who work in the combat areas by providing transport, drones, protective engineering structures, body armour, protective equipment, and medical assistance.

As of 24 February 2024 Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front initiative donated more than 5000 drones,[https://bunatimes.com/world/226180.html Metinvest provided pickup trucks and drones to the SBU unit] 1200 cars and special vehicles, more than 200,000 body armour items, including 170,000 bulletproof vests, 1,1 million litres of fuel[https://war.obozrevatel.com/ukr/svitovi-zmi-visoko-otsinili-mobilni-ukrittya-otrimani-bijtsyami-vid-stalevogo-frontu.htm Світові ЗМІ високо оцінили мобільні укриття, отримані бійцями від "Сталевого фронту"] to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defenders, and communities.[https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/metinvest-peredav-zaporizkomu-viyskovomu-shpitalyu-chergovu-partiyu-dopomogi Metinvest delivers one more humanitarian aid convoy to Zaporizhzhia military hospital][https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/ponad-80-tisyach-spivrobitnikiv-chleniv-jihnih-simey-i-veteraniv-metinvestu-otrimayut-prodovolchi-nabori Metinvest to provide food packages to more than 80,000 employees, their family members and retired workers of the company][https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-handed-over-500-000-liters-of-fuel-to-the-military-since-the-beginning-of-the-war/ Metinvest has handed over 500,000 liters of fuel to the military since the beginning of the war][https://bykvu.com/eng/bukvy/akhmetov-metinvest-give-ukrainian-military-300-drones/ Akhmetov ‘Metinvest’ give Ukrainian Military 300 drones][https://www.perild.com/2022/09/19/metinvest-handed-over-another-300-drones-to-the-front/ Metinvest handed over another 300 drones to the front][https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/865053.html Ахметов: Ми виготовили вже 150 тисяч бронежилетів і не плануємо зупинятися][https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-handed-over-almost-1-million-liters-of-fuel-and-more-than-300-cars-to-the-military/ Metinvest handed 1 mln litres of fuel][https://open4business.com.ua/en/metinvest-has-transferred-almost-million-liters-of-fuel-and-312-vehicles-to-armed-forces-during-war/ Metinvest has transferred 1 mln litrs of fuel]

Metinvest is using its steel to make ‘hedgehogs’ slowing the advance of Russian tanks.[https://www.steeltimesint.com/news/metinvest-steel-repels-russian-aggression Metinvest steel repels Russian aggression] The initiative also handed over 3 armored amphibious assault ships to the GUR in June 2024.[https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/staleviy-front-peredav-gur-shturmovi-korabli-2607063.html "Сталевий фронт” передав ГУР штурмові кораблі]

Shakhtar Donetsk, the football club sponsored by Akhmetov, opened this year Shelter Center at the Arena Lviv, since then it has received more than 2,000 internal migrants from different regions of Ukraine. As of the end of August, there were 6,000 temporary accommodation places arranged by Metinvest at its social facilities. The shelter residents receive hot meals, food and hygienic kits. The company has arranged 850 accommodation places in six Dnipropetrovsk and Kyrovohrad communities.[https://metinvestholding.com/en/media/news/metinvest-steel-front-six-month Metinvest’s Steel Front: Over UAH1.9 Billion In Aid For Ukraine During Six Months Of War][https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-has-allocated-uah-1-7-billion-for-the-needs-of-the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-and-the-population/ Metinvest has allocated UAH 1.7 billion for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the population]

For three years of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine, DTEK returned power to more than 17 million households.[https://interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1046857-amp.html "ДТЕК" за тиждень повернув електроенергію майже 200 тис. абонентів у Дніпропетровській і Донецькій областях] The company's power engineers respond swiftly to re-energise localities cut off electricity supply because of hostilities.[https://www.perild.com/2022/09/12/since-the-beginning-of-the-war-dtek-power-engineers-have-returned-light-to-four-million-families/ Since the beginning of the war, DTEK power engineers have returned light to four million families][http://www.udinform.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=668372&Itemid=51 ДТЭК предоставил учреждениям критической инфраструктуры бесплатно электроэнергию на почти 350 млн грн][https://ru.interfax.com.ua/news/general/885010.html За последнюю неделю "ДТЭК" восстановил электроснабжение 41 тыс. бытовых абонентов на Донетчине и Днепропетровщине]

After the power plants in Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts were hit by Russian missile strikes, causing widespread blackouts in five regions of Ukraine, Rinat Akhmetov and DTEK Group decided to start helping restore electricity supply all over Ukraine, even in the areas not covered by DTEK power grid.[https://dtek.com/en/media-center/news/since-the-beginning-of-the-full-scale-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-dtek-group-has-been-working-to-restore-electricity-supply-in-ukraine/ Since the beginning of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine, DTEK Group has been working to restore electricity supply in Ukraine]

Since the outbreak of the war, Akhmetov's DTEK has been supplying free electricity worth ₴350 million (later $10 million[https://dtek.com/en/anniversary-of-the-war/ Timeline of the war and DTEK's vision of the future]) to medical and military facilities in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk oblasts.[https://bunatimes.com/economy/41994.html DTEK built a solar power plant for the military][https://www.scm.com.ua/en/news/dtek-nadav-medikam-i-viyskovim-bezkoshtovnu-elektroenergiyu-na-178-mln-grn DTEK supplies free electricity worth UAH 178 million to medical and military facilities][https://1news.com.ua/ukraine/u-dtek-rozpovily-yak-dopomagaly-ukrayini-u-2022-rotsi.html У ДТЕК розповіли, як допомагали Україні][https://glavcom.ua/economics/business/dtek-vidzvituvav-pro-obsjahi-pidtrimki-zsu-u-2022-rotsi-899454.html DTEK відзвітував про обсяги підтримки ЗСУ]

Metinvest has developed special chemical composition of steel to produce plates for body armour. As of February 2023 the company has already provided 170,000 bulletproof vests to the army, the territorial defence forces, law enforcement agencies, and members of emergency rescue teams.

Highlighted by Bloomberg, the latest development of Metinvest's specialists is prefabricated dugouts, or portable steel war shelters for Ukrainian defenders. These special shelters for strengthening trenches can be used as a full-fledged field accommodation and one such shelter costs about ₴200,000 ($5,450). Like all other equipment and protective gear, Metinvest delivers the shelters to the military free of charge. The company has already sent 123[https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/893921.html "Метінвест" за рік війни спрямував на допомогу країні понад 3,1 млрд грн, зокрема 1,6 млрд грн військовим] (170 as for April 2023[https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2023/04/11/698892/ Сталь для ЗСУ: як Метінвест Ріната Ахметова опанував виробництво для ВПК]) of them to the front lines.[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-13/ukraine-s-richest-man-starts-making-portable-steel-war-shelters Ukraine’s Richest Man Starts Making Portable Steel War Shelters][https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-allocated-uah-2-8-billion-to-help-the-country-during-the-10-months-of-the-war/amp/ Metinvest allocated UAH2.8 billion to help country] The company has already sent 200 for July 2023[https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/914671.html Metinvest sends UAH 3.7 bln to help Ukraine during 15 months of war][https://metinvestholding.com/en/media/news/on-the-path-to-victory-metinvest-spent-uah-3-7-billion-to-support-ukraine-over-15-months-of-war On the Path to Victory: Metinvest Spent UAH 3.7 Billion to Support Ukraine over 15 Months of War] and 500 for May 2024[https://gordonua.com/news/money/stalnoj-front-rinata-akhmetova-peredal-na-peredovuju-500-stalnykh-krijivok-1707198.html "Стальной фронт" Рината Ахметова передал на передовую 500 стальных "криївок"] to the front lines.

Metinvest, through «Steel Front» initiative, established the serial production and supply of anti-mine trawls for tanks that assist counteroffensives to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.[https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-launched-serial-production-of-anti-mine-trawls-for-the-armed-forces/ Metinvest launched serial production of anti-mine trawls for the Armed Forces]

At the same time, Metinvest has donated 10 high-speed boats, 12 trailers for their transportation and 800 self-inflating life jackets worth a total of UAH53 million to help the armed forces to resist the enemy on the water.[https://gmk.center/en/news/metinvest-hands-over-10-speedboats-worth-uah-53-million-to-the-ukrainian-armed-forces/ Metinvest hands over 10 speedboats worth UAH 53 million to the Ukrainian Armed Forces]

Metinvest has launched the mass production of engineered structures that act as “lancet catchers” to protect the valuable military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from enemy drone attacks. As for September 2023, Metinvest has donated 32 shelter structures to the AFU.[https://www.wsj.com/world/this-russian-suicide-drone-is-blunting-ukraines-advance-8241a0e4 This Russian Suicide Drone Is Blunting Ukraine’s Advance][https://defence-industry.eu/metinvest-launches-the-mass-production-of-steel-lancet-catchers-to-the-ukrainian-army/ Metinvest launches the mass production of steel “lancet catchers” to the Ukrainian army] Despite the war, Metinvest has increased the salaries of its employees since May 1, 2024.[https://zn.ua/ukr/ECONOMICS/popri-vijnu-metinvest-z-1-travnja-pidvishchuje-zarplati-svojim-pratsivnikam.html DESPITE THE WAR, METINVEST IS RAISING ITS EMPLOYEES' SALARIES FROM MAY 1]

Akhmetov told Forbes: "I am in Ukraine and I am not going to leave the country. I share the same feelings with all Ukrainians: I am sincerely waiting for the victory of Ukraine in this war."

From February 24 to early May 2022, Akhmetov's businesses, his Foundation, and FC Shakhtar have donated almost US$72 million in humanitarian aid and support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial Defence Forces.[https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/ahmetov-peredal-pomoshch-ukraine-2-1-mlrd-1651492896.html Ахметов передал на помощь Украине 2,1 млрд гривен]

On 25 May 2022, Akhmetov told Novoe Vremya that he was planning to sue the Russian Federation demanding “proper compensation for all losses and lost business”, which, according to him, has caused him a loss ranging from 17 billion to 20 billion US dollars.{{Cite web |date=25 May 2022 |title="Боятися треба не спецслужб, а своєї совісті". Рінат Ахметов про війну, владу, інвестиції та майбутні суди з агресором — інтерв'ю НВ |url=https://biz.nv.ua/ukr/economics/rinat-ahmetov-15-pitan-biznesmenu-milyarderu-interv-yu-novini-ukrajini-50244993.html |access-date= |website=Novoe Vremya |language=uk}} From February 24 to August 1, 2022, they have donated almost US$90 million.[https://www.unian.net/society/kompaniya-metinvest-otpravila-boycam-na-peredovuyu-avtomobiley-na-2-milliona-dollarov-novosti-ukrainy-11909397.html Компания Метинвест отправила бойцам на передовую автомобилей на 2 миллиона долларов] As of August 1, 2022, the SCM businesses, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the Shakhtar football club assisted in Ukraine, the military and civilians for ₴3 billion, or about $100 million. Assistance reached more than 11 million people across the country.[https://tsn.ua/groshi/ukrayinskiy-biznes-peredav-na-dopomogu-zsu-ta-naselennya-3-mlrd-grn-2127619.html Український бізнес передав на допомогу ЗСУ та населення 3 млрд грн]

In June 2022, Akhmetov filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation with the European Court of Human Rights for damages caused to his assets by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, saying "this lawsuit is one of the first international legal steps against Russia to stop their ongoing crimes, destruction of the Ukrainian economy and the plundering of Ukrainian assets".[https://censor.net/en/n3350414 Akhmetov has filed lawsuit against Russia in European Court of Human Rights Source: https://censor.net/en/n3350414] It was reported that Akhmetov was suing for between $17 billion and $20 billion of losses.{{Cite web |title=The richest man in Ukraine sues Russia |url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/ukraine/957194/who-is-rinat-akhmetov-richest-man-in-ukraine-sues-russia |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=The Week UK |date=28 June 2022 |language=en}}

In April 2023, Akhmetov stated that he would seek compensation for all the losses and damages caused by interference into the operations of his companies or expropriation of his assets and investments by the self-styled “Donetsk People’s Republic” (DNR) and "Luhansk People's Republic" (LNR) controlled or guided by the Russian Federation in 2014–2017. The compensation will be used to help rebuild Ukraine.[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-11/ukraine-latest-us-vice-president-to-meet-with-polish-premier Ukraine Latest: Blinken Denounces Moscow Over Access to Reporter]

Akhmetov has paid ₴1.77 billion in taxes to budgets of all levels since the beginning of 2022, according to Interfax-Ukraine.[https://bunatimes.com/economy/47553.html Akhmetov has paid 1.8 billion hryvnias in taxes since the beginning of the year][https://interfax.com.ua/news/economic/851219.html Ахметов як фізична особа у 2022 році заплатив близько 1,8 млрд грн податків]

As a result of massive combined (rockets and drones) attacks on March 22 and 29, 2024, DTEK lost 90% of its generating capacity.[https://www.unian.ua/economics/energetics/u-2023-roci-dtek-splativ-ponad-40-milyardiv-griven-podatkiv-12596409.html У 2023 році ДТЕК сплатив понад 40 мільярдів гривень податків][https://www.ft.com/content/a3cc326d-04a8-4551-8d43-f097eb0c8c9b Ukraine pleads for western aid to restore power generation]

As of April 2024 Akhmetov’s DTEK thermal power plants were attacked 180 times since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.[https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/983239.html Enemy attacks four TPPs last night, equipment badly damaged, casualties reported – DTEK] “As of today we have only 460 megawatts out of 5,000MW previously,” DTEK chief executive Maxim Timchenko said to Financial Times in June 2024.

On November 15, 2023, it became known that starting from February 24, 2022, Akhmetov's companies sent more than 6.7 billion UAH (185[https://klubasso.fr/le-president-du-fc-shakhtar-remet-25-millions-deuros-a-des-defenseurs-ukrainiens/ Le président du FC Shakhtar remet 25 millions d’euros à des défenseurs ukrainiens] million euros) to the needs of the Armed Forces and the civilian population of Ukraine.[https://ru.interfax.com.ua/news/general/947809.html SCM и Ринат Ахметов с начала войны направили 6,7 млрд грн в поддержку ВСУ и гражданских лиц][https://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/pochatku-viyni-ahmetov-peredav-zsu-i-gumanitarni-1700059587.html З початку війни Ахметов передав на ЗСУ і гуманітарні програми 6,7 млрд гривень]

In May 2024, it became known that the Military Initiative "Steel Front" of Rinat Akhmetov announced the serial production of additional protective steel screens for tanks. Such screens were created specifically for the Soviet T-72, Ukrainian T-64 and the American M1 Abrams. After a long and thorough procedure of testing and testing, steel screens began to be supplied to the Armed Forces free of charge. So far, more than 25 additional protection systems have been manufactured and delivered, seven of which are for M1 Abrams tanks.[http://www.kramatorsk.info/view/314282 "Сталевий Фронт" Ахметова розпочав виробництво екранів, що захищають танки Abrams від FPV]

More than 12 thousand employees of SCM businesses joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 846 workers (military and civilian) died, 97 people went missing, and 69 were captured.

== Assessment of Russia's actions ==

In an interview with Radio Svoboda in March 2022, Akhmetov said that the worst thing in Russia's war against Ukraine is that civilians are suffering and dying. And Russia's military aggression is a war crime and a crime against humanity against Ukraine and Ukrainians.{{Cite news |title=Ахметов, Пінчук, Столар, Косюк: чим займаються бізнесмени зі списку Forbes під час війни |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/biznes-forbes-dopomoha-ukrayini-viyna/31740138.html |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=Радіо Свобода |date=7 March 2022 |language=uk |last1=Середа |first1=Софія }}

Asked by the Ekonomichna Pravda about Putin and Russia, Akhmetov said that "Russia is an aggressor and Putin is a war criminal. It’s because Ukraine has always been a peaceful country, and has never attacked anyone."{{Cite web |title=Олигархи больше не молчат. Но не все. Кто из самых богатых украинцев еще не назвал путина преступником |url=https://www.epravda.com.ua/rus/publications/2022/03/5/683321/ |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=Экономическая правда |language=ru}}

In an interview with Forbes in March 2022 Akhmetov commented concerning Russian invasion of Ukraine: “What is unfolding here is a war crime and a crime against humanity, against Ukraine and the Ukrainians. This can neither be explained nor justified."{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Luisa |title=Ukraine's Richest Man Says He's Doing Everything He Can To Help His Country, And Sparing No Expense |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/luisakroll/2022/03/10/ukraines-richest-man-rinat-akhmetov-says-hes-doing-everything-he-can-to-help-his-country/ |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

== Vision of victory for Ukraine ==

In an interview with Forbes Ukraine, Akhmetov noted that the victory for Ukraine is "a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian soldiers from Ukraine and a full restoration of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Including Donbass and Crimea."{{Cite web |date=2022-03-10 |title="Неможливо говорити про це без сліз". Ахметов прокоментував блокаду Маріуполя — Forbes.ua |url=https://forbes.ua/news/nemozhlivo-govoriti-pro-tse-bez-sliz-akhmetov-prokomentuvav-blokadu-mariupolya-10032022-4453 |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=forbes.ua |language=uk}}

== Plans on recovery of Ukraine ==

In a comment to Radio Svoboda, Akhmetov said he is confident that the time would come when Ukrainians would rebuild Ukraine, and stressed that he would personally invest all his strength and resources to restore Ukraine and become a prosperous country.

Akhmetov was asked by the Washington Post about his vision of Ukraine after the war, he called for a “new Marshall Plan” of hundreds of billions of dollars in investment and a country remade in the image of the West. “The goal is to build a new, strong, and European Ukraine, a member of the European Union, with strong institutions, the rule of law, clear anti-corruption rules, a democratic political system, and fair treatment of citizens,” said Akhmetov.

DTEK will receive €62.8 million from the European Commission and US$46.1 million from the US government to rebuild the facilities destroyed by Russian attacks and prepare power plants for the upcoming winter.[https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/11/25/7486302/ Ukraine's largest private energy company to receive US$112 million from US and European Commission]

Sports and patronage

{{main|FC Shakhtar Donetsk}}

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}}

Following the October 1995 bombing assassination of former team president Akhat Bragin at the team's stadium, Akhmetov (who had served as Bragin's right-hand man and himself narrowly missed the attempt on his life),{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/apr/30/shakhtar-donetsk-dynamo-kyiv-uefa-cup |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Jonathan |last=Wilson |title=Football: Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk square up in one of tonight's Uefa Cup semi-finals, writes Jonathan Wilson |date=30 April 2009}} subsequently inherited operation of the Shakhtar Donetsk football club. On 11 October 1996, Akhmetov was appointed president of the team[http://shakhtar.com/en/club/history/?p=7 Shakhtar.com] club history 1996–2006. Rinat Akhmetov envisioned Shakhtar as a winner of European cups, so he began restructuring the club to achieve this goal. He changed the approach to the club management and transferred the operational management to the professionals.{{cite journal |last1=Гусєв |first1=А.В. |year=2014 |title= Зв'язки з громадськістю у сфері спорту |trans-title=Public relations in the sport field |url=http://www.irbis-nbuv.gov.ua/cgi-bin/irbis_nbuv/cgiirbis_64.exe?C21COM=2&I21DBN=UJRN&P21DBN=UJRN&IMAGE_FILE_DOWNLOAD=1&Image_file_name=PDF/drsk_2014_1-2_38.pdf |access-date=11 December 2021 |language=uk |location=Zaporizhzhia |publisher=CPU |journal=Держава та регіони |number=1–2 |pages=185 |issn=2219-8741}} Under his leadership, FC Shakhtar became the country's champion fifteen times,[https://athletistic.com/football/575209.html Akhmetov: This championship is especially important for us, because for the second year in a row it was won in the extremely difficult conditions of a full-scale war in our country] won the Ukrainian Cup fourteen times, took the Ukrainian Super Cup nine times, and won the UEFA Europa League Cup for the first time in the history of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://www.larazon.es/deportes/futbol/champions-league/20211019/wpl3dj2owbgxzloqkhvlnvfe5y.html |title=El asesinato que ayudó al Shakhtar a ganar títulos |author=Óscar García |date=19 October 2021 |website=La Razón |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023055302/https://www.larazon.es/deportes/futbol/champions-league/20211019/wpl3dj2owbgxzloqkhvlnvfe5y.html |archive-date=23 October 2021 |language=es |trans-title=The assassination that helped the Shakhtar win titles}}{{cite web |url=https://interestingfootball.com/ukrainian-soccer-teams-best-biggest-most-successful-in-ukraine/ |title=Ukrainian soccer teams: best, biggest & most successful in Ukraine |author=Ibiye Ambille |date=14 November 2021 |website=Interesting Football |access-date=11 December 2021}}

In 2009, Donbas Arena stadium was built in Donetsk at Rinat Akhmetov's initiative. It's the first stadium in Eastern Europe that was designed and built to the elite UEFA standards; its capacity is over 50,000 people.[http://donbass-arena.com/en/arena/char/ Donbass Arena] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716132449/http://donbass-arena.com/en/arena/char/ |date=16 July 2011 }} Facts and figures. Donbas Arena was named the best stadium of Euro 2012.{{cite web |url=https://football24.ua/donbas_arena__naykrashhiy_stadion_yevro__2012_n130837/ |title="Донбас Арена" — найкращий стадіон ЄВРО — 2012 |author=Барандій, Васька |date=26 September 2012 |website=football24 |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030155851/https://football24.ua/donbas_arena__naykrashhiy_stadion_yevro__2012_n130837/ |archive-date=30 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title="Donbass Arena" is the best stadium of EURO — 2012}} It ranks among 25 best stadiums in the history of the Champions League.{{cite web |url=https://www.unian.ua/sport/football/10866218-donbas-arenu-vklyucheno-do-reytingu-naykrashchih-stadioniv-v-istoriji-ligi-chempioniv.html |title=Донбас Арену включено до рейтингу найкращих стадіонів в історії Ліги чемпіонів |date=9 February 2020 |agency=UNIAN |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030083440/https://www.unian.ua/sport/football/10866218-donbas-arenu-vklyucheno-do-reytingu-naykrashchih-stadioniv-v-istoriji-ligi-chempioniv.html |archive-date=30 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Donbas Arena is included in the ranking of the best stadiums in the history of the Champions League}}

FC Shakhtar had to leave its home city of Donetsk due to the war in Donbas in Ukraine. Since the spring of 2014, its training base has been located in Kyiv. The team changed multiple home stadiums, moving to Lviv (Arena Lviv, 2014–2017), Kharkiv (Metalist, 2017–2020), and finally Kyiv (NSC Olimpiyskiy, since 2020).{{cite web |url=https://comments.ua/sport/479239-shahter-zhit-kieve-igrat.html |title="Шахтер" будет жить в Киеве а играть во Львове |date=23 July 2014 |website=Comments.ua |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104022413/https://comments.ua/sport/479239-shahter-zhit-kieve-igrat.html |archive-date=4 November 2021 |language=ru |trans-title=Shakhtar will live in Kyiv and play in Lviv}}{{cite web |url=https://lb.ua/sport/2017/01/30/357227_shahter_igrat_domashnie.html |title="Шахтар" гратиме всі домашні матчі в Харкові |date=30 January 2017 |website=LB.ua |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030091335/https://lb.ua/sport/2017/01/30/357227_shahter_igrat_domashnie.html |archive-date=30 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Shakhtar will play all home matches in Kharkiv}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ua-football.com/ukrainian/high/1601216423-shahter-smenil-domashniy-stadion-kontrakt-s-nsk-olimpiyskiy-podpisan-na-tri-goda.html |title=Шахтер сменил домашний стадион. Контракт с НСК Олимпийский подписан на три года |date=27 September 2020 |website=UA-Football |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024104345/https://www.ua-football.com/ukrainian/high/1601216423-shahter-smenil-domashniy-stadion-kontrakt-s-nsk-olimpiyskiy-podpisan-na-tri-goda.html |archive-date=24 October 2021 |language=ru |trans-title=Shakhtar changed his home stadium. The contract with the NSC Olimpiyskiy was signed for three years}}

In 2022, FC Shakhtar had to sign a stadium lease agreement with Legia Warsaw, because the Russia's war in Ukraine made it impossible to host international matches.[https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/07/15/ukraines-shakhtar-fc-to-play-champions-league-home-matches-in-warsaw-poland/amp/ Ukraine's Shakhtar FC to play Champions League home matches in Warsaw, Poland]

Shakhtar Donetsk’s four-episode documentary series “Football Must Go On,” produced by Paramount+, has won the prestigious Sports Emmy Award in the Documentary Series category.[https://fcbusiness.co.uk/news/shakhtar-donetsk-wins-emmy-award-for-football-must-go-on-documentary/ Football Must Go On]

Meanwhile, from August 2014 and until losing control of the stadium in 2017 the club's home stadium Donbas Arena served as a centre of humanitarian aid in Donetsk.{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/uk/наступ-на-ахметова-які-наслідки-матиме-закриття-гумцентрів-допоможемо/a-37788782 |title=Наступ на Ахметова — які наслідки матиме закриття гумцентрів "Допоможемо" |author=Burdyha, Ihor |website=Deutsche Welle |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104023742/https://www.dw.com/uk/наступ-на-ахметова-які-наслідки-матиме-закриття-гумцентрів-допоможемо/a-37788782 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Attack on Akhmetov — what consequences will have the closure of humanitarian centers "Let's help"}} Volunteers were unloading the food products, forming the individual sets and passing them to people in need there.{{cite web|url=http://stadiumdb.com/news/2015/03/donetsk_donbass_arena_becomes_a_humanitarian_aid_hub|title=Donetsk: Donbass Arena becomes a humanitarian aid hub – StadiumDB.com|website=stadiumdb.com|access-date=18 May 2017}} During the fighting the Donbas Arena was seriously damaged as a result of shelling several times, the humanitarian aid distribution was continued.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-billionaire-rinat-akhmetov-aid-seized-russia-backed-rebels-donbass/|title=With aid cut, thousands on "verge of survival in the heart of Europe"|access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214121500/http://donbass-arena.com/en/news/33479 |archive-date=14 December 2018}}

In March 2017, a spokesperson for Akhmetov's foundation reported that humanitarian aid had been discontinued in the region after rebel organizations blocked access to the Shakhtar FC stadium, which serves as a center for relief efforts in the area.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-billionaire-rinat-akhmetov-aid-seized-russia-backed-rebels-donbass/|title=With aid cut, thousands on 'verge of survival in the heart of Europe' |publisher=CBS News|access-date=18 June 2017}}

Personal life

Rinat Akhmetov is married to Liliya Nikolaievna Smirnova (born 1965), and has two sons with her, Damir (born 1988) and Almir (born 1997).

Akhmetov owns London's most expensive penthouse at One Hyde Park, which was originally purchased for a reported $213 million as a portfolio investment and spent another reported $120 million to fix them up.{{cite web|url=http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/features/1207896/invasion-russian-oligarchs/|title=Invasion of the Russian oligarchs|access-date=18 May 2017}} The information about the deal was disclosed only four years later, in April 2011, after the asset has shown a steady annual rise.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131106045206/http://www.scmholding.com/en/media-centre/news/view/804/ System Capital Management press release], 21 April 2011, SCM Buys Real Estate at One Hyde Park (London) as Portfolio Investment.[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/editorial/detail/125553/ Kyiv Post], 21 April 2011, Offshore leaks.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/apr/19/rinat-akhmetov-one-hyde-park |title=Rinat Akhmetov pays record £136.4m for apartment at One Hyde Park |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=19 April 2011 |first=Alex |last=Hawkes}} In May 2013, the property was transferred from his company, SCM, to himself.{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/business/scm-transfers-london-apartment-to-akhmetovs-ownership-324094.html|title=SCM transfers ownership of One Hyde Park property to Akhmetov|work=Kyiv Post|date=7 May 2013|access-date=9 February 2015}}

In 2019, Gruppo Campari sold Villa Les Cèdres in Cap Ferrat, France, to Akhmetov for €200 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.iconicriviera.com/villa-les-cedres-a-murderous-oligarch-and-a-cruel-king/|title=Villa les Cèdres, a Murderous Oligarch, and a Cruel King|work=Iconic Riviera|date=3 Mar 2023|access-date=3 Mar 2023}}

Philanthropy

Researcher Natalya Kolosova believes that Rinat Akhmetov is one of the first modern Ukrainian philanthropists who switched from spontaneous aid to a systematic approach.{{cite journal |last1=Колосова |first1=Наталія |year=2012 |title=Відродження традицій меценатства в культурному розвитку України на початку ХХІ століття |trans-title=Revival of traditions of patronage in the cultural development of Ukraine at the beginning of the XXI century |url=https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=682025 |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=Міленіум |journal=Актуальні проблеми історії, теорії та практики художньої культури |issue=29 |pages=303–304 |issn=2225-7586 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027020331/https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=682025 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |quote=Зараз в історії українського меценатства зароджується новий спосіб меценатської діяльності – від стихійної допомоги до системного підходу. Таку практику, властиву бізнесу, привнесли в цю сферу Віктор Пінчук та Ринат Ахметов. Їх досвід реалізації меценатських проектів більшість експертів оцінили як найбільш інноваційний та має високий соціальний ефект.}} Since 2006, Akhmetov has been among the leading philanthropists of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://delo.ua/lifestyle/pod-kontrolem-obcshestva-105264/ |title=Под контролем общества |date=22 April 2009 |website=DELO |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026195724/https://delo.ua/lifestyle/pod-kontrolem-obcshestva-105264/ |archive-date=26 October 2021 |language=ru |trans-title=Under the control of society}} According to various sources, he is among the first in terms of the amount of funds allocated to charity.{{cite journal |last1=Волынец |first1=У.А. |year=2014 |editor1-last=Зенькова |editor1-first=И.В. |title=Благотворительная деятельность общественных организаций в Украине |trans-title=Charitable activities of public organizations in Ukraine |url=http://elib.psu.by:8080/bitstream/123456789/18654/1/Волынец_c150-154.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=ru |location=Novopolotsk |publisher=Polotsk State University |journal=Экономическая теория в ХХІ веке: поиск эффективных механизмов хозяйствования: Материалы международной научно-практической конференции (Новополоцк, 23–24 окт. 2014 г.). |issue=2 |pages=151 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024074940/http://elib.psu.by:8080/bitstream/123456789/18654/1/Волынец_c150-154.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}}; {{cite web |url=https://www.unian.ua/society/301448-top-10-naybilshih-biznesmeniv-filantropiv-ukrajini.html |title=Топ-10 найбільших бізнесменів-філантропів України |date=15 December 2009 |website=UNIAN |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030075833/https://www.unian.ua/society/301448-top-10-naybilshih-biznesmeniv-filantropiv-ukrajini.html |archive-date=30 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Top 10 largest philanthropic businessmen in Ukraine}}; {{cite web |url=http://companies.kontrakty.ua/rankings/150-krupnejjshie-blagotvoritelnye-fondy-publichnykh-ukraincev-2010.html |title=Крупнейшие благотворительные фонды публичных украинцев — 2010 |date=28 April 2011 |website=Kontrakty |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524220434/http://companies.kontrakty.ua/rankings/150-krupnejjshie-blagotvoritelnye-fondy-publichnykh-ukraincev-2010.html |archive-date=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead |language=ru |trans-title=The largest charitable foundations of public Ukrainians - 2010}}; {{cite web |url=https://ua.korrespondent.net/journal/1296402-korrespondent-mistectvo-vimagae-pozhertvuvan-top-10-blagodijnikiv-ukrayini |title=Корреспондент: Мистецтво вимагає пожертвувань. Топ-10 благодійників України |date=20 December 2011 |website=Korrespondent |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104005848/https://ua.korrespondent.net/journal/1296402-korrespondent-mistectvo-vimagae-pozhertvuvan-top-10-blagodijnikiv-ukrayini |archive-date=4 November 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Korrespondet: Art requires donations. Top 10 philanthropists of Ukraine}}

In 2005, on the initiative of Rinat Akhmetov, the SCM corporate charitable foundation Development of Ukraine was created (since 2018, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation). Its main areas of activity include: national health, family, targeted assistance, dynamic culture, and modern education.{{cite journal |last1=Воробьёва |first1=О.Ю. |year=2011 |title=Благотворительность и меценатство как компонент корпоративной социальной ответственности бизнеса |trans-title=Charity and patronage as a component of corporate social responsibility of business |url=https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/blagotvoritelnost-i-metsenatstvo-kak-komponent-korporativnoy-sotsialnoy-otvetstvennosti-biznesa |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=ru |location=Luhansk |publisher=East Ukrainian Volodymyr Dahl National University |journal=Управління проектами та розвиток виробництва |volume=3 |number=39 |pages=93–98 |issn=2222-8810 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026191340/https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/blagotvoritelnost-i-metsenatstvo-kak-komponent-korporativnoy-sotsialnoy-otvetstvennosti-biznesa |archive-date=26 October 2021}}{{cite journal |last1=Левицький |first1=Артур |year=2014 |editor1-last=Іжа |editor1-first=М.М. |title=Інфраструктурне забезпечення проектної діяльності у соціальній сфері |trans-title=Infrastructure support of project activities in the social sphere |url=http://eu.dlc.odessa.ua/9/buk/zbornik.pdf#page=83 |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Odesa |publisher=ORIDU NADU |journal=Актуальні проблеми державного управління |volume=1 |issue=57 |pages=84 |issn=1993-8330 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024080249/http://eu.dlc.odessa.ua/9/buk/zbornik.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}} Since March 2008, the fund has been separated from the company and operates as a personal charitable foundation of Rinat Akhmetov, it maintains a partnership with SCM.{{cite journal |last1=Дєліні |first1=М.М. |year=2014 |title=Проблеми впровадження корпоративної соціальної відповідальності |trans-title=Problems of implementation of corporate social responsibility |url=http://liber.onu.edu.ua/pdf/vestniki/Econ2014_19v2.5.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Odesa |publisher=Odesa University |journal=Вісник Одеського національного університету |volume=19 |issue=2/5 |pages=40 |issn=2304-0920 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024080249/http://liber.onu.edu.ua/pdf/vestniki/Econ2014_19v2.5.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}}{{cite journal |last1=Євтушенко |first1=В.А. |year=2013 |title=Внутрішні та зовнішні інституційні форми корпоративної соціальної відповідальності |trans-title=Internal and external institutional forms of corporate social responsibility |url=http://irbis-nbuv.gov.ua/cgi-bin/irbis_nbuv/cgiirbis_64.exe?C21COM=2&I21DBN=UJRN&P21DBN=UJRN&IMAGE_FILE_DOWNLOAD=1&Image_file_name=PDF/piprp_2013_1_10.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kharkiv |publisher=Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University |journal=Проблеми і перспективи розвитку підприємництва |volume=1 |pages=42 |issn=2226-8820 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024080248/http://irbis-nbuv.gov.ua/cgi-bin/irbis_nbuv/cgiirbis_64.exe?C21COM=2&I21DBN=UJRN&P21DBN=UJRN&IMAGE_FILE_DOWNLOAD=1&Image_file_name=PDF/piprp_2013_1_10.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}} This Foundation is one of the most famous charitable organizations in Ukraine.{{cite journal |last1=Лапіна |first1=М. |last2=Кузьміна |first2=О. |year=2019 |title=Благодійна діяльність у сучасній Україні |trans-title=Charitable activity in modern Ukraine |url=http://eir.pstu.edu/bitstream/handle/123456789/24652/Віс.2019т.4_p31-36.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Mariupol |publisher=State Higher Education Institution “Pryazovskyi State Technical University” |journal=Вісник Приазовського державного технічного університету |issue=4 |pages=34–35 |issn=2225-6733 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024080250/http://eir.pstu.edu/bitstream/handle/123456789/24652/Віс.2019т.4_p31-36.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}}{{cite book |year=2018 |title=Діяльність благодійних організацій та доброчинні практики українців |trans-title=Activities of charitable organizations and charitable practices of Ukrainians |url=https://zagoriy.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/zf-brochure.-participation-digital.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=Corestone Group, GfK Ukraine |pages=16–17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515194352/https://zagoriy.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/zf-brochure.-participation-digital.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2021}}; {{cite journal |year=2019 |title=Благодійність в Україні: погляд зсередини |trans-title=Charity in Ukraine: an inside look |url=https://zagoriy.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/zf-charity-inside-view-digital.pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |publisher=Соціоінформ |pages=41–43 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024080252/https://zagoriy.foundation/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/zf-charity-inside-view-digital.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2021}}

During 2007–2013 there was the Foundation for Effective Governance founded by Rinat Akhmetov.{{cite web |url=https://ipress.ua/ru/news/ahmetov_zakril_odyn_yz_svoyh_fondov_54223.html |title=Ахметов закрыл один из своих фондов |date=15 January 2014 |website=IPress.ua |access-date=13 February 2022 |language=ru |trans-title=Akhmetov closed one of his funds}} The organization was supporting the authorities and civil society institutions of Ukraine in the development of programs for the long-term economic development of the state.{{cite book |year=2008 |editor1-last=Drzeniek Hanouz |editor1-first=Margareta |editor2-last=Geiger |editor2-first=Thierry |title=The Ukraine Competitiveness. Report 2008: Towards Sustained Growth and Prosperity |url=http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.183.8652&rep=rep1&type=pdf |access-date=8 January 2022 |location=Geneva |publisher=World Economic Forum |pages=266 |citeseerx=10.1.1.183.8652 |isbn=978-92-95044-05-0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030084728/http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.183.8652&rep=rep1&type=pdf |archive-date=30 October 2021}}{{cite journal |last1=Чикаренко |first1=І. |year=2011 |title=Імплементація сучасних менеджмент-орієнтованих підходів у реалізацію концепції кластеризації економіки міста |trans-title=Implementation of modern management-oriented approaches in the implementation of the concept of clustering the city's economy |url=http://www.dridu.dp.ua/vidavnictvo/2011/2011_02(9)/index.html |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Dnipro |publisher=DRIDU NADU |journal=Державне управління та місцеве самоврядування |volume=2 |issue=9 |pages=217–226 |issn=2414-4436 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030084720/http://www.dridu.dp.ua/vidavnictvo/2011/2011_02(9)/index.html |archive-date=30 October 2021}} During its work, the Foundation was preparing The Ukraine Competitiveness Report for the World Economic Forum{{cite journal |last1=Романко |first1=О.П. |year=2018 |title=Методи та способи здійснення оцінки конкурентоспроможності регіону: світова практика і український досвід |trans-title=Methods and ways of assessing the competitiveness of the region: world practice and Ukrainian experience |url=http://www.economy.in.ua/?op=1&z=4028&i=8 |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Kyiv |journal=Економіка та держава |number=4 |pages=44 |issn=2306-6806 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030084721/http://www.economy.in.ua/?op=1&z=4028&i=8 |archive-date=30 October 2021}} and created two clusters in Lviv (IT and woodworking).{{cite journal |last1=Pavlysh |first1=E. V. |last2=Poklonskyy |first2=S. K. |year=2013 |title=Clusters and cluster Policy in Ukraine |url=https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/klastery-i-klasternaya-politika-v-ukraine |access-date=8 January 2022 |publisher=University of Luhansk, Institute of Industrial Economics of NASU |journal=Економічний вісник Донбасу |volume=4 |number=34 |pages=113 |issn=1817-3772 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030104623/https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/klastery-i-klasternaya-politika-v-ukraine |archive-date=30 October 2021 |quote=Here the cooperation of Monitor Group and Foundation for Effective Governance can be mentioned. They lead common work to enhance economic development of separate regions and entire country. One of the arrangements is creating clusters at the territory of the regions taking into account their special features and characteristics. It was planned to create clusters in the Lviv, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Two clusters which are now completely finished and functioning are located in Lviv. These are woodworking and IT clusters. The woodworking cluster is presented by three companies and a university. One of the companies is relatively big and takes a significant part of Ukrainian wood export. IT cluster is presented by six softwaredeveloping companies, two universities and two government institutions.}}

In August 2014, on the basis of the Foundation for Development of Ukraine, Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center Pomozhem was created, which provides humanitarian assistance in the form of food packages, medicines, and psychological assistance to citizens. More than 800 thousand people received 12-kilogram packages every month. For three years, the Humanitarian Center saved more than 1,139,000 people from death, hunger and disease in eastern Ukraine and became the largest humanitarian mission in the country. More than 39 thousand people were evacuated from the combat zone by the resources of this organization. Since February 2017, the Humanitarian Center has been working only on the territory controlled by Ukraine.{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2015/05/21/longing-for-silence |title=Longing for silence: Diplomacy fails the folk on the edge |date=21 May 2015 |newspaper=The Economist |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008201707/https://www.economist.com/europe/2015/05/21/longing-for-silence |archive-date=8 October 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/uk/наступ-на-ахметова-які-наслідки-матиме-закриття-гумцентрів-допоможемо/a-37788782 |title=Наступ на Ахметова — які наслідки матиме закриття гумцентрів "Допоможемо" |author=Ihor Burdyha |date=2 March 2017 |website=DW |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104023742/https://www.dw.com/uk/наступ-на-ахметова-які-наслідки-матиме-закриття-гумцентрів-допоможемо/a-37788782 |archive-date=4 November 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Attack on Akhmetov — what are the consequences of closing the "Pomozhem" Humanitarian Centers}}{{cite web |url=https://www.dsnews.ua/ukr/politics/top-5-imennyh-blagotvoritelnyh-fondov-ukrainy-infografika--18122017095500 |title=Топ-5 іменних благодійних фондів України |author=Вишневський, Юрій |date=18 December 2017 |website=Delovaya Stolitsa |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030081150/https://www.dsnews.ua/ukr/politics/top-5-imennyh-blagotvoritelnyh-fondov-ukrainy-infografika--18122017095500 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=TOP 5 personal charitable foundations of Ukraine}} In the Donetsk region, the Humanitarian Center is one of the most famous charitable organizations (2018).

On 28 February 2018, the assistance the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center provided in the non-government controlled territory was put on hold and later banned at all. Over 500,000 people could not receive assistance any more.[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-billionaire-rinat-akhmetov-aid-seized-russia-backed-rebels-donbass/ Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov's aid seized Russia backed rebels in Donbass] In 2020, help expanded its support to the entire country and forwarded its resources to help all residents of Ukraine, in order to protect them from the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic.[https://convergent-technologies.de/rinat-akhmetov-foundation-will-help-ukraine-to-fight-covid-19-with-convergys-poc-rt-pcr-systems/ Rinat Akhmetov Foundation will help Ukraine to fight COVID-19 with convergys poc rt pcr systems]

Starting from the year 2000, Rinat Akhmetov and his friend Igor Krutoy have been involved in a charity campaign on Saint Nicholas' Day in Donetsk and Donetsk Oblast, visiting children deprived of parental care, orphans and children in hospitals.{{cite web|url=http://shakhtar.com/en/news/15483|title=Rinat Akhmetov has played for the children|work=FC Shakhtar|access-date=9 February 2015}} In 2012, he donated $19 million to build an oncology research center.{{cite news|author=Cnaan Liphshiz|title=Jews occupy top 3 places on Ukrainian list of philanthropists|url=http://www.jta.org/2013/02/06/news-opinion/world/jews-occupy-top-3-places-on-ukrainian-list-of-philanthropists|access-date=14 October 2013|agency=JTA|date=6 February 2013}}

According to Akhmetov's spokeswoman, Olena Dovzhenko, Akhmetov' salary for being a member of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada (parliament) was traditionally deferred to charity.{{cite web |url=https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2012/04/4/320698/ |title=Ахметов за рік заробив 800 мільйонів |date=4 April 2012 |website=Ekonomichna Pravda |access-date=8 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515051750/https://www.epravda.com.ua/news/2012/04/4/320698/ |archive-date=15 May 2021 |language=uk |trans-title=Akhmetov earned 800 million a year}}

In 2019, Ukrainian hospitals received 200 ambulances.[https://rus.lb.ua/society/2019/11/27/443360_200_skorih_ukraini_fond_rinata.html 200 скорых от ФРА]

In March 2020, Rinat Akhmetov began to financially help in the fight against COVID-19. After meeting with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, he began to oversee a number of regions (Donetsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Luhansk and Lviv Oblast) and individual cities (Kryvyi Rih).{{cite journal |last1=Бевз |first1=Тетяна |year=2020 |title=Регіональні особливості функціонування політичної системи України в контексті глобалізаційного виклику пандемії COVID-19 |trans-title=Regional features of the functioning of the political system of Ukraine in the context of the globalization challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic |url=https://sdc-journal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/310/251 |access-date=8 January 2022 |language=uk |location=Pereiaslav |publisher=Hryhoriy Skovoroda University in Pereyaslav |journal=Соціум. Документ. Комунікація |number=9/2 |pages=21 |doi=10.31470/2518-7600-2020-9/2-11-32 |s2cid=233798245 |issn=2518-7600 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024081239/https://sdc-journal.com/index.php/journal/article/view/310/251 |archive-date=24 October 2021|doi-access=free }}

In February 2020, Akhmetov allocated ₴300 million to fight the coronavirus.[https://gmk.center/en/news/rinat-akhmetov-to-donate-300-million-to-combat-the-coronavirus-outbreak/ Akhmetov to donate 300 millions] About ₴500 million was allocated in total to fight the coronavirus within the framework of the Fight against COVID-19 in Ukraine project - part of the Rinat Akhmetov - Saving Lives program, its Foundation purchased over 200 ventilators for Ukrainian hospitals.[https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3000496-rinat-akhmetov-foundation-transfers-300000-covid19-test-kits-to-health-ministry.html RAF transfers 300000 COVID kits][https://metallurgprom.org/en/news/ukraine/10179-metallurgicheskij-kombinat-zaporozhstal-peredal-zaporozhskim-bolnicam-11-apparatov-ivl.html Запорожсталь передал городским больеицам 11 ИВЛ]

Controversies

=Euromaidan=

During the 2013–14 Euromaidan anti-government protests, Akhmetov became a target of protest as he was seen as a symbol of oppression. In December 2013 protesters picketed his residence in London on several occasions, urging him to cut ties with incumbent president Viktor Yanukovych.{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-19/ukraines-oligarchs-may-switch-sides-over-abandoned-eu-trade-deal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220203324/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-19/ukraines-oligarchs-may-switch-sides-over-abandoned-eu-trade-deal|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 December 2013|title=Ukraine's Oligarchs May Switch Sides Over Abandoned EU Trade Deal – Businessweek|author1=Henry Meyer |author2=Kateryna Choursina |author3=Daryna Krasnolutska |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek|date=20 December 2013|access-date=9 February 2015}} In response, Akhmetov issued a statement condemning police brutality. On 31 December, Akhmetov reprimanded a group of protesters in public near his home in Donetsk.{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/akhmetov-talks-to-protesters-in-donetsk-photo-video-334504.html|title=Akhmetov talks to protesters in Donetsk (PHOTO, VIDEO)|work=Kyiv Post|date=31 December 2013|access-date=9 February 2015}}

Following the Euromaidan Revolution and Donbas War, Akhmetov lost more than half of his wealth. His net value went down from $11.2 billion to $2.9 billion in 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/rain-shine-guys-always-got-shiny-dime.html|title=Rinat Akhmetov: Too Big To Tame |date=20 October 2016|work=Kyiv Post|access-date=18 June 2017}} News reports suggest that much of his former wealth has been redistributed to Russian oligarchs.{{Cite web |url= http://www.newstatesman.com/world/2016/02/how-vladimir-putin-lost-ukraine |title= How Vladimir Putin lost Ukraine |website= New Statesman |date= 10 February 2016 |access-date= 18 June 2017}}

=Disputes in the media=

When dealing with public criticism and allegations concerning his past, Akhmetov has utilized a team of PR consultants and lawyers to protect his image and name. His team often contests reports on him that they consider to be libelous, scandalous, or inaccurate.{{cite news|last=Lavrov|first=Vlad|title=Libel Warriors|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/96887/|access-date=25 January 2012|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=11 February 2011}} Critics accuse Akhmetov of going beyond protecting his name, but rather fear mongering investigative journalists. As many court cases occur in London for its lax free speech laws, critics accuse Akhmetov and his legal team of abuse of libel tourism. In January 2008, Akhmetov won a London libel court case "for damage to his reputation" for such claims, while several other statements about his "criminal past" have been retracted by the media.

In a statement issued by Akhmetov's lawyer Mark MacDougall, "Akhmetov has done a lot of work to protect his good name from false accusations, which might hurt the reputation of his family and business. As the result of it, many publications in Ukraine and other European countries had published retractions and apologies… [and] admitted that their claims are false. We think that these facts speak for themselves".

In 2007, the Kyiv Post, the primary English language daily newspaper in Ukraine, published an article relating to Mr. Akhmetov's business transactions relating to the Dniproenergo thermoelectric generator and the Kryvorizhstal steel mill. The newspaper published an apology stating that "on closer examination, we concluded these allegations{{Clarify|date=January 2012}} relating to Mr. Akhmetov were untrue and have no basis in fact."[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/editorial/detail/28428/ Kyiv Post], 21 February 2008, "Rinat Akhmetov – The Kyiv Post's apology".

In 2007, the German language Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung ("NZZ") retracted defamatory statements from published earlier article regarding Mr. Akhmetov's early business career in the 1990s, noting that "there is no connection between Akhmetov … and organized crime in Ukraine" and "[t]he economic success of Akhmetov is not based by any means on criminally acquired starting capital."[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Swiss+Newspaper+Issues+Retraction+of+False+News+Report+and+Apologizes...-a0165338261 The Free Library.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221202108/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/403.htm |date=21 February 2014 }}, 21 June 2007, "Swiss newspaper issues retraction of false news report and apologizes to Rinat Akhmetov."

In 2008, a judgment was obtained from the High Court of Justice in London after Obozrevatel, a Ukrainian language Internet publication refused to retract false and libelous statements alleging that Mr. Akhmetov was connected to criminal activity and violence. The Obozrevatel reporter (Tetiana Chornovol) interviewed his former classmates and neighbors, and delved into his early years. Following court pressure Obozrevatel issued an official apology stating: "The editorial hereby admits that there was unchecked and false information about Rinat Akhmetov present in the … articles … We hereby give our apologies to Rinat Akhmetov for the problems resulted from the above-mentioned publications."[http://focus.ua/politics/15389 Фокус (Focus.ua)], 15 January 2008, Ахметов выиграл суд у Интернет-издания. Ответчик удивлен (Akhmetov wins libel case against internet site. Defendant surprised by verdict.)[http://obozrevatel.com/news/2008/11/22/270152.htm Обозреватель (Obozrevatel)], Официальное извинение Ринату Ахметову (Official apology to Rinat Akhmetov). Obozrevatel agreed to pay $100,000 to a charitable foundation of Akhmetov's choosing as compensation for the false statements Obozrevatel had published on 19 and 26 January 2007. Tetiana Chornovol refused to issue an apology or acknowledge any wrongdoing.[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/120428/ Kyiv Post], January 2012, Investigative journalist runs for parliament to fight corruption, by Oksana Grytsenko.

The website GoLocalProv.com, based in Providence, Rhode Island, published in 2010 allegations that Akhmetov had ties to organized crime. Subsequently, PolitiFact engaged in a review of the allegations on GoLocalProv's site and disputed the sources on which they were based, stating that "key elements of the [GoLocalProv] story are false or unproven" and that the story presented "suspicions, suggestions, innuendo, and conspiracy theories" as fact.{{cite web|url=http://www.politifact.com/rhode-island/article/2010/oct/23/website-ignores-key-facts-link-chafee-organized-cr/.|title=Website ignores key facts in bid to tie Lincoln Chafee to organized crime in Ukraine|work=PolitiFact Rhode Island|access-date=9 February 2015}} The GoLocalProv articles and audio shortly after their publishing were removed from the site. The publisher, Josh Fenton, explained that they disappeared for "technical reasons" and the radio station which aired the interview containing the allegations refused comment.

In 2010, the French daily newspaper Le Figaro issued a retraction of false allegations it published on 18 January 2010 regarding Akhmetov, due to a lack of evidence to support their claims, and issued an apology.,{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2010/01/29/idUS10995+29-Jan-2010+PRN20100129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022151849/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/01/29/idUS10995+29-Jan-2010+PRN20100129 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2012 |work=Reuters |title=French Newspaper Issues Apology to Ukrainian Businessman and Political Leader Rinat Akhmetov |date=29 January 2010}}[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/french-newspaper-issues-apology-to-ukrainian-businessman-and-political-leader-rinat-akhmetov-82984192.html PR Newswire], 28 January 2010, "French newspaper issues apology to Ukrainian businessman and political leader Rinat Akhmetov".[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/58237/print/ Kyiv Post] 29 January 2010, "French newspaper issues apology to Ukrainian businessman Akhmetov for false report". Akhmetov's U.S. lawyer, Mark J. MacDougall, stated that "the editors and publisher of Le Figaro have acted responsibly in issuing a swift apology and correcting the false statements published about Mr. Akhmetov <...> Mr. Akhmetov values his reputation throughout Europe, and today’s action by Le Figaro recognizes that Mr. Akhmetov’s good name was put at risk when false accusations were published," he added. Le Figaro had claimed that Akhmetov was "a scandalous Ukrainian oligarch" and that he was "a bandit in the past".

In 2013, Akhmetov's legal representatives issued a press release in response to accusations in the media, which cited politicians and journalists, that implicated Akhmetov in the 1996 murder of Donetsk-based Ukrainian oligarch Yevhen Shcherban. The official statement stated that they "have not found any proof suggesting that Akhmetov was involved in Scherban's or other businessmen's killings. To be honest, some of the businessmen killed in the 1990s were Mr. Akhmetov's close friends."{{cite news|last=Interfax-Ukraine|title=Defense: Akhmetov not involved in high-profile murders|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/defense-akhmetov-not-involved-in-high-profile-murders-319367.html|access-date=26 January 2013|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=25 January 2013}}

=Connection to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign=

In January 2019, Paul Manafort's lawyers submitted a filing to the court, in response to the Robert Mueller Special Counsel's accusation that Manafort had lied to investigators while supposedly co-operating with the investigation. Through an error in redacting, the document accidentally revealed that while Manafort was Donald Trump's campaign chairman, Manafort met with Konstantin Kilimnik, gave Kilimnik polling data related to Donald Trump's 2016 United States Presidential campaign, and discussed a Ukraine-Russia peace plan for the Russo-Ukrainian War with Kilimnik. As a Russian Main Intelligence Directorate GRU agent, Konstantin Kilimnik is a known member of Russia's intelligence community.{{cite news|last1=Vogel|first1=Kenneth P.|author-link=Kenneth P. Vogel|title=Manafort's man in Kiev|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/paul-manafort-ukraine-kiev-russia-konstantin-kilimnik-227181|access-date=8 October 2019|work=Politico|date=18 August 2016}}{{efn|Manafort has rejected questions about whether Kilimnik, with whom he consulted regularly, might be in league with Russian intelligence.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/trump-russia-manafort-235850 |title=Authorities looked into Manafort protégé; An associate of an ex-Trump campaign chairman is suspected of connections to Russian intelligence.|author=Vogel|first1=Kenneth P.|last2=Stern|first2=David|date=8 March 2017|publisher=Politico|access-date=8 October 2019}} According to Yuri Shvets, Kilimnik previously worked for the GRU, and every bit of information about Kilimnik's work with Manafort went directly to Russian intelligence.{{cite news|url=https://www.svoboda.org/a/27949833.html|title=Зачем Путину Трамп?|last=Голицына|first=Наталья|date=3 March 2016|website=Радио Свобода|language=ru|access-date=8 October 2019}}}} Although most of the polling data was reportedly public, some was private Trump campaign polling data managed by Brad Parscale.{{cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article154701989.html|title=The face of Donald Trump's 2020 campaign|date=7 June 2017|newspaper=The News & Observer|location=Raleigh, North Carolina|last=Glueck|first=Katie|access-date=8 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/5bdc810e38c94b119e2e0c2d206c4486|title=Trump campaign chief lends name to penny stock tied to felon|date=27 February 2018|work=Associated Press|last=Horwitz|first=Jeff|access-date=8 October 2019}}{{efn|Eric Trump's wife, Lara (née Yunaska) Trump, was the liaison between Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign headquarters in Trump Tower and Brad Parscale's Giles-Parscale company.}} Manafort asked Kilimnik to pass the data to Ukrainians Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/08/politics/manafort-russia-court-deadline/index.html|title=Mueller believes Manafort fed information to Russian with intel ties|last=Polantz|first=Katelyn|date=8 January 2019|work=CNN|access-date=8 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/08/us/politics/manafort-trump-campaign-data-kilimnik.html|title=Manafort Accused of Sharing Trump Polling Data With Russian Associate|newspaper=New York Times|last1=LaFraniere|first1=Sharon|last2=Vogel|first2=Kenneth P.|last3=Haberman|first3=Maggie|date=8 January 2019|access-date=8 October 2019}} Rinat Akhmetov said in a statement to CNN that allegations of contacts with Manafort and Konstantin Kilimnik were “false” and that Manafort’s work for Akhmetov’s System Capital Management (SCM) ended over a decade ago.[https://edition.cnn.com/2019/01/10/politics/manafort-ukraine-tycoon-rinat-akhmetov-intl/ Ukrainian tycoon denies requesting or receiving 2016 polling data from Manafort]

Awards

  • UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin presented Rinat Akhmetov the UEFA Football Leadership Award to mark Shakhtar's achievements during 25 years of his presidency and in the year of the club's 85th anniversary (2021).[https://shakhtar.com/en/news/2021/december/1_news/1_uefa-football-leadership-award/ Rinat Akhmetov's award: meeting with UEFA president in Switzerland]
  • Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of the V class (2010)[http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/12238.html Президент України Віктор Янукович Офіційне інтернет-представництво (Viktor Yanukovych, President of Ukraine, official website)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209175359/http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/12238.html |date=9 December 2012 }}, 20 August 2010, Указ Президента України № 829/2010 (Decree of the President of Ukraine, number 829/2010)
  • Full Chevalier of Order of Merit: I class in 2006,[http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=697/2006 Ukrainian Government], Указ Президента України (Edict of the President of Ukraine), Документ 697/2006, 19 August 2006 (Edict 697/2006 as of 19 August 2006), Про відзначення державними нагородами України (State awards of Ukraine), 19 August 2006. II class in 2004,[http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=1214/2004 Ukrainian Government], Указ Президента України (Edict of the President of Ukraine), Документ 1214/2004, 11 October 2004 (Edict 1214/2004 as of 11 October 2004), Про відзначення державними нагородами України ветеранів та активістів українського футболу (State awards of Ukrainian veterans and of people involved in Ukrainian football), 11 October 2004. III class in 2002[http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=598/2002 Ukrainian Government], Указ Президента України (Edict of the President of Ukraine), Документ 598/2002, 2 July 2002 (Edict 598/2002 as of 2 July 2002), Про відзначення державними нагородами України спортсменів та керівників акціонерного товариства "Футбольний клуб "Шахтар", м. Донецьк (State awards to Ukrainian athletes and the heads of "FC" Shakhtar "Donetsk), 2 July 2002.
  • Full Chevalier of the Miner's Glory Medal
  • Honoured Worker of fitness and sports of Ukraine (1999)[http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?nreg=1152/99 Ukrainian Government], Указ Президента України (Edict of the President of Ukraine), Документ 1152/1999, 10 September 1999 (Edict 1152/1999 as of 10 September 1999), Про присвоєння почесного звання "Заслужений працівник фізичної культури і спорту України" працівникам Донецької області, м. Донецьк (Cconferring the honorary title "Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine" to the workers of Donetsk), 2 July 2002.
  • Award from President of Pakistan Sitara-e-Pakistan (2007) for merits to Pakistan[http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14775 Associated Press of Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310015924/http://app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14775 |date=10 March 2013 }}, 154 citizens, 17 foreign nationals conferred civil awards, 13 August 2007.
  • Donetsk Citizens Recognition Prize in 2008 (est. by Donetsk City Council), in the nomination "Caring for the future"[https://web.archive.org/web/20080118093735/http://24.ua/news/show/id/25572.htm 24UA] Ахметова наградили премией "Признание дончан" (Akhmetov was awarded the "Shakhtar Recognition" prize), 17 January 2008.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090105235959/http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/news/36 Foundation for Development of Ukraine], 16 January 2008, Rinat Akhmetov announced Donetsk Citizens Recognition Prize winner in the nomination "Caring for the future". (See also [http://www.fdu.org.ua/en/news/page/460 news archive]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}).
  • Honorary citizen of Donetsk (2006)[http://ura.dn.ua/12.08.2006/13834.html Украинское рейтинговое агентство (Ukrainian Rating Agency)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331060442/http://ura.dn.ua/12.08.2006/13834.html |date=31 March 2012 }}, 12 August 2006, Президент получил официальные атрибуты Почетного гражданина Донецка (The President received formal accreditation as an honorary citizen of Donetsk)

See also

Notes

{{Notelist}}

References

{{Reflist|2}}