Metinvest, Ukraine’s largest mining and metallurgical holding, reduced steel production by 13% year-on-year to 908,000 tons in January-June 2025, according to its operating results for the period.
According to a press release from the parent company Metinvest B.V. on the results of its operating activities for Q2 2025, total iron ore production for this period also decreased by 13% compared to January-June 2024, to 7.725 million tons.
At the same time, the production of marketable iron ore concentrate (MIOC) decreased by 8% compared to the first half of 2024, to 7.528 million tons. Together with the total production of MIOC in the first half of 2025, it decreased by 13%, to 7.725 million tons.
It is noted that coke production in January-June 2025 decreased by 5% compared to the first half of 2024, to 5%, to 535 thousand tons.
At the same time, it is specified that in the second quarter of 2025, pig iron and steel production at the Kame-Stal Metallurgical Plant decreased by 19% and 14%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter and the first quarter of 2025, to 353 thousand tons and 420 thousand tons, due to the shutdown of blast furnace No. 9 for major repairs in April-June 2025. In the first half of 2025, pig iron production amounted to 789 thousand tons, which is 11% less than in the same period last year, due to the aforementioned overhaul of furnace No. 9 at Kametstal and a temporary technological shutdown at the pulverized coal fuel (PCF) site in March 2025. This led to a decrease in steel production to 908 thousand tons, or 13% less than in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Against the backdrop of a decline in pig iron production and an increase in domestic consumption of billets at subsequent stages of production, the output of semi-finished products decreased in the second quarter of 2025 by 26% compared to the previous quarter, to 128 thousand tons; in the first half of 2025, by 20% compared to the same period last year, to 301 thousand tons.
In the second quarter of 2025, finished product output increased by 5% compared to the previous quarter and amounted to 628 thousand tons. In particular: flat steel production increased by 11% to 289,000 tons, mainly due to growth in orders for hot-rolled coils at Ferriera Valsider (Italy).
Long product production remained almost at the previous quarter’s level and amounted to 339,000 tons, with output at Kametstal increasing by 4%.
In the first half of 2025, finished product production increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2024. In particular, long product production increased by 5% thanks to higher volumes at Kametstal, while flat product production remained almost unchanged from the previous period.
In the second quarter of 2025, coke production increased by 6% compared to the previous quarter, to 275,000 tons, mainly due to the emergency shutdown of Zaporizhkox in February due to military operations. In the first half of 2025, coke production decreased by 5% to 535,000 tons compared to the same period last year due to the decommissioning of coke oven battery No. 1 at Kametstal.
In the second quarter of 2025, the production of total iron ore concentrate and marketable iron ore products remained almost at the level of the previous quarter and amounted to 3.910 million tons and 3.767 million tons, respectively. At the same time, due to the shutdown of the roasting machine at the Central GOK for major repairs in May 2025, iron ore concentrate production increased by 5% to 2.175 million tons, while the output of pellets decreased by 6% to 1.592 million tons.
In the first half of 2025, total iron ore concentrate production decreased by 13% compared to the same period last year due to the shutdown of the Ingulets GOK in July 2024. This was partially offset by an increase in volumes at the Northern GOK – by 47% due to increased production at the Hannivskyi open pit, as well as at the Central GOK – by 22% due to increased iron ore supplies from third parties. At the same time, the production of marketable iron ore products decreased by 8%, including concentrate by 16%, while the output of marketable pellets increased by 3%.
In December 2024, due to the intensification of hostilities and the approach of the front line, the production site of the Pokrovsk Coal Group was suspended. Subsequently, against the backdrop of power outages and a further deterioration in the security situation, production at the mine and enrichment plant was suspended.
As a result, starting in 2025, coal concentrate production has been concentrated exclusively at United Coal Company (USA). In the second quarter of 2025, coal concentrate production fell to 518,000 tons, down 10% from the previous quarter, due to the deterioration in the quality of coking coal.
In the first half of 2025, coal concentrate production decreased by 53% to 984,000 tons due to the shutdown of the Pokrovsk Coal Group.
As reported, Metinvest increased steel production by 4% in January-March this year compared to the same period last year, but decreased by 1% compared to the previous quarter, to 488,000 tons. Total iron ore production for this period decreased by 15% compared to January-March 2024, but increased by 11% compared to the previous quarter, to 3.761 million tons.
At the same time, the production of commercial iron ore concentrate (CIO) decreased by 27% compared to Q1-2024 and increased by 7% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 2.064 million tons. Total production of IRC in Q1 2025 decreased by 21% compared to Q1 2024 and increased by 17% compared to the previous quarter, reaching 3.815 million tons.
At the same time, Metinvest increased its production of pellets by 7% compared to Q1 2024 and by 9% compared to Q4 2024, to 1.697 million tons. but reduced its total output of coking coal concentrate by 52% in Q1 2024 and by 51% compared to the previous quarter, to 518 thousand tons. Coke output in January-March 2025 decreased by 8% compared to Q1 2024 and by 6% compared to Q4 2024, to 260 thousand tons.
As reported, Metinvest increased steel production by 4% in 2024 compared to 2024, to 2.099 million tons, while total iron ore production increased by 42%, to 15.733 million tons. At the same time, commercial iron ore concentrate production increased by 58% to 14.826 million tons. Coke output in 2024 decreased by 10% to 1.122 million tons. At the same time, Metinvest increased its total production of pellets by 14% to 6.022 million tons, but reduced its total output of coking coal concentrate by 22% to 4.277 million tons.
Metinvest is a vertically integrated group of mining and metallurgical enterprises. Its enterprises are located in Ukraine, in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The main shareholders of the holding company are the SCM Group (71.24%) and Smart Holding (23.76%). Metinvest Holding LLC is the managing company of the Metinvest Group.
In the first half of 2025, the Dila medical laboratory opened 22 new branches, increasing its number of locations to 260 throughout Ukraine.
According to Ivan Telichkun, the company’s director of strategic development, who spoke to Interfax-Ukraine, Dila has closed one branch since the start of the full-scale invasion, while the remaining 17 branches that were damaged have already been restored and are continuing to operate.
“Since the beginning of the invasion, 17 branches have been damaged and one has been closed in Nikopol. The other damaged branches have been completely restored and are once again serving customers,” he said.
Telichkun specified that Dila branches are currently operating in frontline areas, including Chernihiv, Shostka, Kharkiv, Pavlohrad, Mykolaiv, and Kryvyi Rih. In Shostka, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, they were opened during the full-scale invasion.
“Dila operates in cities and regions that are under frequent threat of missile or drone attacks. These are Odesa (Odesa, Izmail), Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Sumy (Shostka), Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv,” he said.
Telichkun noted that Dila continues to expand its network of branches across Ukraine, focusing primarily on the needs of its clients.
“Among the new locations of Dila branches are not only central areas of cities, but also modern residential complexes, which today form separate communities with developed infrastructure. We plan to expand the network further,” he said.
Commenting on the dynamics of prices for laboratory tests, Telichkun noted that since the beginning of the year, prices for laboratory tests have been gradually increasing.
“The main reasons are the rising cost of reagents and consumables purchased in foreign currency, as well as changes in salaries to ensure market-level wages. Responding to external economic factors, including price adjustments, allows us to maintain our core principles of quality and accuracy in our research, which are the foundation of our customers’ trust. We plan to keep prices stable, provided the market situation remains stable,” he said.
As reported, in 2024, the Dila medical laboratory opened 14 partner branches and expanded its network to 238 branches. In addition, Dila performed 9.3 million tests for 1.3 million patients in 2024.
US President Donald Trump has decided to impose additional tariffs of 25% on India due to its purchase of Russian oil, according to a presidential decree published by the White House.
“Thus, goods from India imported into the US will be subject to ad valorem duties of 25%,” the document says.
“I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to impose ad valorem duties on imports from India that directly or indirectly purchase oil from the Russian Federation,” Trump explained in the decree.
Ad valorem duties are levied as a fixed percentage of the price of the goods, rather than per unit of cargo.
At the same time, the order specifies that it applies not only to oil of Russian origin, but also to petroleum products.
“The term ‘oil of the Russian Federation’ means crude oil and petroleum products extracted, refined, and exported from the Russian Federation, regardless of the nationality of the company involved in the production or sale of oil or petroleum products,” the document explains.
The term “indirect import” is also clarified, which, according to the US, means the purchase of Russian oil through intermediaries or third countries, whereby the origin of the oil can be traced back to Russia if the head of the Ministry of Trade, who consulted with the Secretary of State and the head of the Ministry of Finance, comes to such conclusions.
Last week, Trump announced that he was imposing 25% tariffs on Indian goods, as well as “penalties” for India’s purchase of Russian oil and weapons. Trump later expressed hope that India would stop buying Russian oil.
Trump then threatened to seriously increase tariffs on Indian exports, arguing that India’s purchases of Russian oil contribute to the continuation of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
In turn, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that the US and EU’s dissatisfaction with Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil was unfounded. Trump’s threats were also condemned by the ruling party and the opposition in India.
Ukraine and Romania plan to open the Bila Tserkva-Sighetu Marmatiei border crossing point by the end of this year – Sighetu Marmatiei“ border crossing point on temporary infrastructure for passenger cars while the ”full” infrastructure is being built, according to the Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Serhiy Derkach following a meeting with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Romania Ionel Scristea.
“The construction of the new Bila Tserkva-Sighetu Marmatiei checkpoint is a priority. The contract for the work has been signed. The construction itself will be divided into three stages. This is a large infrastructure project that requires time and resources,” Derkach said on his Facebook page.
Among other key agreements, he mentioned the synchronization of work at the largest checkpoint with Romania, Porubne-Siret, in order to simultaneously complete the development of lanes for trucks. This will double the throughput capacity, the deputy minister stressed.
According to him, the opening of local checkpoints, in particular one each in the Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions, was also discussed. It is noted that these checkpoints will be created for passenger cars and pedestrians.
Among the latest joint developments, Derkach recalled the possibility of large-capacity buses freely traveling through the Dyakovtsi-Rakovets checkpoint.
“The next step is to consolidate this decision without restrictions on an indefinite basis. Plus, add the possibility of crossing with empty trucks. Our Romanian colleagues are considering this possibility and will provide feedback,” the deputy minister said.
A new interview has been published on the Experts Club YouTube channel with leading Ukrainian obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences Volodymyr Terekhov, focusing on key challenges and trends in modern gynecology. The physician, with over 15 years of experience, shares his observations on women’s health, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases, as well as prospects for the development of the field in Ukraine and worldwide.
Main topics discussed
• Late diagnosis issues: According to Terekhov, up to 70% of patients seek medical help only at advanced stages of illness, including cancer, inflammatory, and hormonal disorders.
• Reproductive health: Special attention is given to declining fertility among young women, a growing trend linked to lifestyle, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
• Role of prevention: The guest emphasizes that regular check-ups and screenings (such as cytology and ultrasound) are effective early detection tools for diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.
• Technological advancement: The conversation also covers progress in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, and new diagnostic methods.
In Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Health and international NGOs, one in three women of reproductive age faces a gynecological condition — from fibroids to endometriosis. Around 4,500 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, making it one of the most common cancers among women in the country.
Globally, according to WHO, gynecological conditions affect every second woman over 30. Cervical cancer claims more than 300,000 lives annually despite the availability of vaccination and screening. Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, and infertility affects one in seven couples.
Dr. Volodymyr Terekhov notes that the future of gynecology lies in the integration of new technologies, a multidisciplinary approach, patient education, and digitalization of healthcare. However, this requires investment, reforms, and state support.
Watch the full interview on the Experts Club YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOh20BZmI9g
Subscribe here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpertsClub
Rush LLC, owner of the EVA chain in Ukraine, received UAH 14.8 billion in net income in January-June 2025, which is almost 19% more than in the same period of 2024, according to the company’s press service.
The release specifies that net profit for the period amounted to UAH 548 million, while tax payments reached almost UAH 2.5 billion.
In the first half of the year, the company invested UAH 800 million. Significant areas of investment include network development, modernization, and rebranding (almost UAH 150 million), the acquisition of a logistics complex in Brovary from Dragon Capital, as well as the expansion of the self-service checkout network and the introduction of a new store format.
During the first half of the year, the company opened 29 new stores, 16 of which feature the “Women’s Energy” design. The chain now has 1,127 stores in operation, 143 of which feature the “Women’s Energy” design and three in the EVA BEAUTY format.
Thanks to the expansion of its network, EVA has created 225 new jobs. As of June 30, the company had a total of 13,949 employees.
EVA’s private label department continues to develop its portfolio, which currently includes 66 brands. In particular, the division has entered a new category: car fragrances.
In the decorative cosmetics category, the trendy Jelly collection from GlamBee was presented, and the Fabien Marche perfume brand was expanded with two new lines: Hermetic Collection and Kaleidoscop Collection. A new line of skincare products for problem skin, MAY face, was also launched.
The share of private label products in the company’s sales in real terms amounted to 37.88% in the first half of the year. In the second half of the year, specialists plan to focus on developing exclusive private label projects for EVA.UA (beauty gadgets, fitness accessories, etc.), as well as introducing new hair coloring, toning, and styling products to customers.
The company’s logistics department has completed a number of large-scale projects. At the beginning of the year, an agreement was signed with Dragon Capital to acquire a logistics complex in Brovary.
The modernization of the online store’s distribution centers in Lviv and Brovary has increased the maximum order processing capacity from 12-15 thousand to 20 thousand per day at each warehouse. Significant software improvements have been implemented to optimize the selection and control of online orders. All this has made it possible to increase employee productivity in the control and packaging department by 75%, reduce the number of errors in order packaging to 0.013%, cut operating costs for control and packaging by 40%, and reduce the average order picking time by almost 2.5 hours.
Another important area of work for the logistics department is the development of its own courier service. In Dnipro, Lviv, and Kyiv, according to the results of the first half of the year, 68% of courier deliveries are already carried out using the company’s own resources. In the near future, it is planned to expand the service to Odesa and Kharkiv. The share of in-house deliveries to pick-up points in stores has also increased from 54% at the end of 2024 to 64% at the end of the first half of 2025.
The EVA.UA marketplace already offers over 350,000 products from EVA itself and over 130 partner sellers. The growth rate of the company’s online store traffic in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 was 26%, the growth rate of orders was 35%, and the growth rate of turnover was 56%.
More than a third of orders on EVA.UA continue to be placed via the company’s mobile app. At the end of the first half of the year, it had over 5.6 million installations and over 800,000 active users per month. In the first half of the year, the company integrated the VISUAL by EVA functionality into the app. In addition, EVA launched a personalized consultation service with a cosmetologist expert in Viber and Telegram chatbots. Currently, EVA chatbots have over 2 million subscribers.
Rush LLC, which manages the EVA chain, was founded in 2002. As of early 2025, the chain had 1,109 stores in operation.
According to Opendatabot, the owner of Rush LLC is listed as Incetera Holdings Limited (100%), a Cypriot company, with Ruslana Shostak and Valeria Kiptika as the ultimate beneficiaries.
At the end of 2024, Rush’s revenue increased by 28.2% compared to the previous year, to UAH 27 billion. Net profit decreased by 36.7%, to UAH 1.4 billion.
