Earlier this week BMF called on its members and their customers to help raise funds in support of those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The head of the equivalent of the Builders Merchants Federation in Ukraine has provided an update on how the building materials market is being affected as a result of Russia’s invasion.

Konstantin Salli, who heads the equivalent of the Builders Merchants Federation in Ukraine, one of 16 countries represented by UFEMAT – the European Federation of Building Material Distributors.

Salli was responding to a personal request from John Newcomb, BMF CEO, for more details, which Salli has reacted to despite “difficulties with connection”. 

Salli said: “I am in Kiew and I continue, as it's possible, to administrate our building industry. 

“After the beginning of Russian aggression on 24-25 February all the reconstruction, construction, development, renovation stopped and our country has stopped the construction of highways. 

“All the manufacturers of concrete products have made, free of charge, a huge number of concrete blocks to protect the cities and towns.

“The sand getters brought a lot of pockets with sand also to protect the people and cities and the metal manufacturers made a huge number of metal hedgehogs to protect from panzers. 

“Unfortunately our branch wasn't ready to such "event", and now we are threatened by bankruptcy,” he said.

Salli also said that current damage of transport infrastructure is about $120 billion and about 30 million square metres has been destroyed by occupants, “but this number grows every day”.

“Our manufacturers will need a help of Government to renew a work of factories because some of them were destroyed,” Salli concluded.

Earlier this week, the BMF called on its members and their customers to help raise funds in support of those affected by the war in Ukraine.

The trade body has created a dedicated appeal page on its website, which includes a link to donation site. The total rasied as of yesterday (15 March) was £19,000.

Funds raised through the appeal in the UK will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which works with the UK’s 15 leading aid charities to provide and deliver aid.

Newcomb said: “In addition to emergency aid, warm clothing, such as thermal and insulated workwear, is urgently required.

“Our members play a key role in the community and the unique nature of their work, and their stock of equipment such as workwear, puts them in a good position to help get much needed supplies over to Ukraine and we will be working with them to orchestrate a national response and get supplies to those who need them as quickly as possible.”

“In the meantime, our focus is on raising funds through our appeals pages in the UK and across Europe.

“The building materials industry is known for its generosity in supporting those in need.

If you are able to make a donation, please do so at www.bmf.org.uk/Ukraine_Appeal.