The specifics of Russian metallurgy and mining companies' activities imply a significant environmental impact, as well as participation in international supply chains. On the one hand, it determines the importance of the sustainability agenda for these companies. While on the other hand it exacerbates the impact of modern external challenges, in particular economic sanctions, affecting the restrictions on imports of steel products already from March 2022. The purpose of this study was to identify the priorities of Russian metallurgical and mining companies in the field of sustainable development before and after the emergence of new challenges in the external environment. The research methodology involved qualitative analysis of integrated and non-financial reports of Russian metallurgy and mining companies for 2019-2022 according to eight criteria. It was confirmed that the impact of the environmental agenda on the strategy of metallurgy and mining companies remains strong. Russian metallurgy and mining companies remain committed to formalizing sustainable development and anchoring the performance of social and environmental initiatives in the form of key performance indicators. The hypothesis of the study was not confirmed. Changes in the business environment, increasing uncertainty and risks, have not significantly reduced the company's attention to ESG agenda and environmental programs. The scale of social programs has decreased, which, among other things, is due to the effect of the peak of social programs in 2020 due to their demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.