Metinvest plans to expand its rehabilitation program for veterans through swimming

Over the 1.5 years of the Free Waves project, approximately UAH 4.4 million has been allocated to restoring the health of defenders

Metinvest Group plans to expand its Free Waves swimming program for veterans’ psychophysiological rehabilitation, according to a company statement.

Starting in 2024, current and former military personnel in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske will be able to train free of charge in four swimming pools using the method developed by Olympian Denys Silantiev. Over the 1.5 years of the project, approximately UAH 4.4 million has been allocated to restore the health of defenders.

The Free Waves program was developed by one of Ukraine’s best swimmers, Denys Silantiev. It is a set of exercises for restoring the health of veterans, especially those who have suffered serious injuries. The project is based on a scientific approach and unique methods of rehabilitation and adaptation in water.

Swimming sessions are an effective way to restore physical and emotional well-being after the stress and injuries sustained during combat. This form of rehabilitation is considered one of the safest. It enables people to work through traumatic experiences gently and gradually,» explains Denys Sylantiev.

For tangible results, participants are advised to complete at least the basic course of 16 swimming lessons. Qualified trainers work individually with each veteran, combining physical recovery with psychological support.

To ensure barrier-free access for veterans, lifts for immersion in water were installed in all four pools involved, and in Kamensk, an elevator was additionally installed indoors. In 2025, the program was continued: «Free Waves» showed effective results and attracted a large number of interested parties.

This year, the number of pools is planned to be increased to six, with two more in Zaporizhzhia in cooperation with the relevant department of the city council. The organizers also plan to hold competitions between project participants from all three cities where it operates.

The program is funded by the Metinvest Group in cooperation with local businesses and public organizations: in Zaporizhzhia – with Zaporizhstal and the NGO Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action»; in Kryvyi Rih, with the Kryvyi Rih Foundation for the Future public organization, supported by the City Defense Council; and in Kamianske, with the Kametstal metallurgical plant.

During the project, more than 400 veterans and military personnel underwent rehabilitation: about 300 in Zaporizhzhia, 87 in Kryvyi Rih, and 15 in Kamianske.

«The Free Waves project is an important stage in veterans’ recovery and has already proven its effectiveness. We help defenders to regain self-confidence and return to active life,» said Tatyana Petruk, Director of Sustainable Development and Personnel Relations at Metinvest.

She added that this is part of the company’s comprehensive system for reintegrating former military personnel.

It should be noted that Metinvest has allocated UAH 10.1 billion to support Ukraine over the four years of the war. UAH 7.3 billion was allocated to the army’s needs as part of the Steel Front military initiative.