Ukraine's largest steel plant halts production after Russian strikes kill workers

ArcelorMittal announced it is shutting production at Ukraine's largest steel plant due to recurring Russian strikes, as Friday's attacks on Kyiv killed seven people, including a 14-year-old boy, and injured more than 50. The steelmaker said safe operations were impossible after four strikes in five weeks damaged the southeastern plant and killed five workers. The shutdown threatens Ukraine's steel sector, which once provided 15 percent of exports, and affects about 12,500 employees and 3,500 contractors. Russia has intensified airstrikes on businesses, ports, and infrastructure, cutting tax revenue and widening Ukraine's budget gap. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, while Russia denied targeting civilians, and the UN reported at least 200 civilian deaths in September.