Ukrainian steel plants halt after Russian strikes, threatening economy and jobs

Ukraine's metallurgy sector is in its deepest crisis since the full-scale war began, with steel output falling 57.3% in August after Russian strikes halted or reduced production at key plants. The crisis threatens the broader economy, cities, and railway operations. Major plants Zaporizhstal, Kametstal, and ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih suffered the heaviest damage. Zaporizhstal and Kametstal are fully halted, with 22 ballistic missiles fired at them since August, killing 13 workers and wounding 55. Pig iron output fell 65.6%, and rolled products dropped 57.4%. The sector's share of Ukraine's GDP fell from 10.3% before the war to 5.5% in 2025. It provides about 270,000 jobs and $6.2 billion in currency revenue. Plant shutdowns may increase import dependence, worsen the trade balance, and threaten industrial cities' budgets, as the plants are major taxpayers.