Russia has waged a systematic missile campaign against Ukraine's steel industry, with the Zaporizhstal steelworks in Zaporizhzhia suffering devastating damage that has forced its indefinite closure. The factory, which employed 8,500 workers and was the economic heart of the city, was hit by 17 Russian missiles across four waves in August and September, killing eight workers and wounding 31. This attack is part of a broader Russian strategy to cripple Ukraine's economy by targeting its metallurgical sector, which remains critical to the country's exports and government revenue.

Before Russia's 2022 invasion, Ukraine's metallurgical industry accounted for roughly 10% of GDP, a third of exports, and employed over 500,000 people directly or indirectly. Russia has systematically targeted all remaining steelworks; of 12 plants that existed before the war, only 6 remain operational, and recent attacks have rendered most unable to function. The company operating Zaporizhstal, Metinvest, was Ukraine's biggest steel and iron producer, but all its facilities are now out of action. Local governments across steel-producing cities rely heavily on taxes from these companies for essential services, with metal-making firms funding 30-70% of some municipal budgets.