Ukraine's steel output hits zero as Metinvest reports all plants destroyed

Ukraine's steel industry is in a catastrophic state due to Russian strikes, with all major plants destroyed or halted, according to Metinvest executive Oleksandr Vodoviz. Five furnaces at Metinvest and two at ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih were destroyed, and production has stopped. Vodoviz stated that in September, Ukraine produced no steel for the first time in 100 years. Metinvest attempted to restart Zaporizhstal, but the furnace operated only 10 hours before being hit again. Rebuilding one furnace costs up to $500 million, with total damages reaching billions. The company has received minimal government aid of 2-5 million hryvnias and will not invest in restoration until the security situation clarifies. Plants including Kametstal, Zaporizhstal, and ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih were hit by ballistic missiles in August and September, forcing suspensions.