LONDON, Nov. 26 - Despite the common origins of the Russian and Ukrainian steel sectors, their fortunes have diverged widely since companies underwent privatization back in the 1990s post-Soviet era, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said in report titled "Russian And Ukrainian Steel Sectors: Performance In Russia Forges Ahead, Outstripping The Ukraine."

"While the sectors share both positive and negative ratings factors, profitability and EBITDA margins have forged ahead at Russian steel companies, outpacing Ukrainian steel companies," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Elena Anankina.