Editor's Note: The following statement was released on Feb. 25 by Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov's System Capital Management company.
Dear colleagues, employees and friends,
The political standoff of the recent months that led to losses of life and injuries is a horrible tragedy.
There are no circumstances that would justify the use of force against peaceful people and the lives of our fellow countrymen cut short. I said it during the days of the conflict trying to stop it. And I repeat it again. Everyone of us is deeply mourning and demanding that those responsible for that should be punished.
Today many are asking what is next?
My answer is – continue to live and work honestly. The way we have been working so far.
SCM Group is 300,000 employees and hundreds of businesses that are economic mainstays in their communities. We have always worked on the principles of professionalism, transparency and democratic values.
SCM Group has been and will be beyond politics. We have worked under any government demonstrating sustainable development. We have invested and will continue to invest in our businesses and ensure stability of the Ukrainian economy.
Our country has needed and will need the work of each of you.
The businesses of SCM Group continue to manufacture products and provide services.
Our objective is to continue to work stably, pay salaries and taxes, invest and develop our local communities and ensure the economic growth of the country.
Our goal is a strong, independent and united Ukraine. Today I specially stress – “a whole and united Ukraine”.
I am sincerely thankful to each of you for your professionalism, teamwork and resilience in this challenging situation in the country.
With respect to each of you
Rinat Akhmetov
Shareholder
SCM
