OREANDA-NEWS. Ukrtelecom JSC does and continues to do its best to support and maintain communication and infrastructure in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine for the duration of the anti-terrorist operation. Technicians of the Company promptly conduct repairs in the liberated territories and residential areas with broken communication lines. Primarily, institutions and organizations responsible for life-sustaining activities of cities and towns are being connected; local, long-distance and international services for businesses and public, and Internet access services are being recovered.

During the active phase of the anti-terrorist operation in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts the Company considers preservation of lives and health of its employees an issue of utmost importance. To this end, Ukrtelecom has changed the schedule of some offices and corrected methods of the restoration work. The Operator also made an important decision to close a number of offices in that part of the Donbass where there is the most threatening situation. At the same time, the Company, as far as possible, maintains stable operation of the communication system in the region. Fixed telephony is often the only means of communication for medical, emergency and rescue services.

Ukrtelecom takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the employees engaged in the restoration of communication lines. Our experts are exposed to serious threats that cannot be completely avoided during the hostilities. Unfortunately, our team suffers losses: yesterday, on July 31, as a result of a shooting directed at a repair crew vehicle an electrician of Telecommunications Services Center of Luhansk branch died. Furthermore, the driver was wounded, he is now in a hospital and his life is not in danger. The team of Ukrtelecom is deeply shocked by this tragedy and mourns the deceased along with his loved ones. The family, which suffered heavy loss, will be provided with all necessary assistance.

Alexander Barinov, Chairman of Ukrtelecom JSC:

"Life, health and safety of every employee have always been a priority for our Company, but in the combat situation they became the highest value for us. We cannot come to terms with the tragic loss, and therefore are forced to partially suspend the repair work in the most dangerous spots of the hostilities. Today, the entire team grieves together with the family of the deceased colleague. Ukrtelecom will not leave his loved ones face-to-face with their grief".

Ukrtelecom JSC is the largest fixed line operator in Ukraine, the leader among Internet providers. Ukrtelecom is the sole shareholder and a member of TriMob, mobile operator that supports 3G/UMTS standards.

Today, the Company provides its services to approximately 9 million subscribers of fixed telephony, while more than 1.6 million subscribers have chosen fixed broadband OGO! Internet.

SCM is the professional investment company, the managing company for a major Ukrainian financial and industrial holding company. It includes businesses in metals and mining, power generation, banking and insurance, telecommunications, media and real estates, retail, clay mining, oil trading, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and transport business.

On October 4, 2013 Ukrtelecom JSC became part of SCM Group.

SCM Group includes the managing company SCM and all businesses in which the company invests its money and over which it holds control. The Group includes over 100 businesses in Ukraine (14 oblast), Russia, European Union (Italy, Great Britain, Bulgaria), Switzerland, and USA.

Oleg Popov is CEO of SCM.

100% of SCM shares are held by Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov.