However, the added complexity of the trade war sparked by U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum poses a fresh challenge. For Ukraine, which heavily depends on its steel industry, this could further destabilize an already fragile economy. The 25% tariffs introduced by President Trump could lead to decreased exports, exacerbating the economic strain caused by the war. In addition, Trump's recent outreach to Putin and comments about potentially meeting with him in person, coupled with dismissals of NATO membership for Ukraine, raise concerns in Kyiv about the future of U.S. support.

These developments underscore how deeply interconnected geopolitics, military conflict, and global trade are in shaping the survival of Ukraine's key industries. The factory’s workers, like many others in the region, are caught in the crossfire of these broader international shifts, and their resilience will be critical in navigating both the physical and economic battles ahead.