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A blacksmith in Sumy, Ukraine, who used to make metal furniture, has transformed his business because of the war. Now, Anton Zaika is producing equipment needed for Ukrainian territorial defense units.
This small factory in the Ukrainian city of Sumy has been producing metal furniture for European customers for the past seven years. But after Russia’s attack on Ukraine began, the factory began helping residents trying to defend the city.
“We started getting calls, people asking for stoves and metal anti-tank barriers, anything that could be put on the road to stop the invaders,” says Anton Zaika, owner of the “Smithy” factory.
A soldier of the territorial defense unit says that the factory has made a great contribution.
“All the equipment for the construction of shelters in the trenches was produced by Anton Zaika. We are very grateful. And now I have come to discuss some metal stoves. I came to see if he has any stoves of this kind. He has given us so much. I’m ashamed to ask for more.” says Oleksandr, a soldier of the territorial defense unit.
Zaika found some stoves and special iron bars for Oleksandr.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Anton Zaika hoped to expand the business and build another factory. He had purchased about $25,000 worth of materials. But all this was used in the first month of the war to help territorial defense units on the front line.
“People started bringing things, anything they could find. One guy walked 5 or 6 kilometers in the snow to bring us some things! He brought over 20 kilograms of electrodes. Many people offered their help.” says the owner of the “Smithy” factory.
With the help of a fundraising page on Instagram, Anton Zaika and his team are buying and transforming cars for the Ukrainian army.
“We cover the front with metal so that the radiator and engine are not destroyed. Then we install shields to protect the tires of the car.” he says.
In addition to helping the Ukrainian military, Zaika also helped his wife take care of their newborn baby and their six-year-old son.
“We were lucky because when she went into labour, the bombing eased a bit. And after our daughter was born, there were no bombings for several days. My mother said our daughter brought us some peace. This is the best thing that ever happened to us, the birth of our daughter!”
Gentle words of a man who works with fire and metal./VOA
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