Veteran reintegration: why Ukraine requires a new strategy for supporting its military personnel.

After enduring a decade of war, Ukraine is facing one of its most pressing social issues – the reintegration of military personnel into civilian life. Despite the prolonged conflict, the rehabilitation and support system for veterans remains flawed. Returning from the front lines comes with physical and emotional challenges that most veterans are forced to face alone.

The Journey from Mine to Frontline

Before 2022, Ruslan worked as a miner. With the onset of the full-scale invasion, he decided to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, firmly believing that now is the time to defend his country. He describes his service briefly, citing that his family is still in an occupied area, and excessive publicity could jeopardize their safety.

Ruslan sustained an injury that has led him to undergo rehabilitation. However, he hasn't sought help from psychologists, explaining that he finds the most support in conversations with friends. "The most important thing is not to isolate yourself," he says. Ruslan believes that society should actively involve military personnel in social activities, assisting them with treatment and job placements.

He is convinced that stable employment helps individuals find new meaning and stabilize their emotional state. "When a person has something to do every day, their emotional background stabilizes a bit," Ruslan adds.

Adaptation through Pain and Openness

The 22-year-old soldier with the call sign "Lyutsik" has endured heavy fighting in Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar. He speaks of war as a trial that leaves a deep mark not only on the body but also on the mind. Lyutsik recalls constant artillery shelling, concussions, and burns that have become an inseparable part of his service.

The soldier shares that after returning home, he began to notice emotional instability within himself that he hadn't felt before. According to him, the joy of reuniting with loved ones gradually shifts to a realization of what he has endured, and this acceptance becomes an incredibly challenging moment for everyone.

Photo: Veterans face psychological issues upon returning from war (freepik.com)

"At first, you're happy to finally be with your loved ones. But after you relax, you sit with your group, laugh while reminiscing about moments, and then comes the stage of acceptance: you realize where you were and what you did," he explains. Lyutsik notes that comrades remain those with whom he can be candid and share his pain.

At the same time, he tries not to share everything with his family to maintain the image of a strong and confident man. "My brothers in arms understand because they are going through it themselves. But releasing your pain and experience is probably the hardest thing for a soldier," Lyutsik observes.

"Veterans are a heterogeneous group, and their needs can vary significantly"

Criticism of the rehabilitation system in Ukraine is increasingly voiced by veterans. "Lyutsik" recalls how after a shelling, their unit was sent to a stabilization point, where medical staff disregarded their condition.

"When we arrived at the stabilization point, the medics told us that headaches were due to the heat, and everything else was minor. A conflict arose. It was hurtful because in their eyes, we looked like people who were just trying to avoid service," the fighter remembers.

In his opinion, such situations reflect a low level of staff training and indifference to military issues. The veteran is convinced that a significant portion of medical personnel and psychologists lack either the necessary qualifications or motivation to perform their jobs properly.

At the same time, experts point out that veterans are a heterogeneous group, and their needs can vary significantly. According to Alina Khelashvili, head of research and analytics at Cedos, universal support programs are unlikely to be effective.

"Social services must be sensitive to the needs of each individual. They should help restore a dignified standard of living, regain the ability to meet one’s own needs, or compensate for the loss of such opportunities. However, it is crucial that these services are not imposed or provided automatically solely due to veteran status, as this can stigmatize individuals," Khelashvili emphasizes.

A key issue remains the low awareness of veterans regarding the availability of social services. Research data indicates that many are unaware of what these services entail, under what circumstances they can be accessed, and how to utilize them.

0Photo: The issue of training personnel capable of providing comprehensive assistance to veterans remains relevant (Getty Images)

Moreover, problems also arise at the level of local communities. According to the expert, the readiness of communities to provide social services directly depends on the development of local social protection infrastructure. Among the primary challenges are a lack of funding, qualified specialists, facilities, and even transportation.

Despite these challenges, many communities are implementing projects to support veterans, particularly those aimed at their reintegration into civilian life. "These can be programs for leisure activities with family, psychological consultations, or the creation of spaces for joint recreation," Khelashvili states.

Psychotherapist and founder of the volunteer project "How are you, brother?" Anton Semenov adds that engaging veterans in active life is a key factor in their adaptation.

"Work gives a person a sense of belonging, purpose, and engagement. The worst thing that can happen to a soldier after returning home is an excess of free time," he emphasizes.

Where can veterans go after returning from war

The Ministry of Veterans, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, notes that one of the key initiatives is a three-level psychological support system. It includes basic support at the community level, individual consultations with specialists, and comprehensive treatment in specialized institutions.

To simplify access to psychological assistance, a digital Registry of service providers has been created, where veterans can find information about institutions offering support. Additionally, the Ministry has developed the platform MARTA, which allows individuals to anonymously assess their mental health and receive recommendations.

"MARTA is a tool that enables veterans and their families to better understand their mental health needs," the Ministry of Veterans states.

Regarding professional adaptation, UAH 71 million has been allocated for this program in 2024. According to the Ministry, veterans can receive support in acquiring new specialties such as driver, electric welder, or drone operator. The program also offers the opportunity to obtain a second (master's) level of education.

"We see that our professional adaptation programs help veterans integrate into the country's economic life," the Ministry emphasizes.

1Photo: It is important for veterans not to close themselves off and to seek help when things get difficult (Getty Images)

Furthermore, veterans can take advantage of the "VARTO" program, which provides financial support for developing their own businesses. Over the past few years, more than 800 veteran businesses have already received support. To assist veterans in finding jobs in government agencies, an e-Job Map has been launched, allowing quick access to available job offers in various regions.

Thus, ensuring social services for veterans requires not only a systematic approach but also adaptation to individual needs. Successful reintegration necessitates a combination of support at the state level and the activity of local communities.

How does it work in other countries?

The USA has been working for many years on integrating veterans into civilian life. In particular, the SkillBridge Initiative helps military personnel undergo internships in civilian companies while still in service. This allows veterans to acquire necessary skills for jobs in IT, construction, healthcare, and other sectors. Thanks to this approach, military personnel can quickly find employment after discharge.

Another program, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, provides comprehensive support to veterans: from psychological consultations to training courses and employment assistance. Special attention is given to combating isolation and adapting to civilian life through social integration.

Canada actively supports the retraining of veterans through the Second Career program, which funds the acquisition of new professions. Additionally, veterans can access subsidized loans or grants for starting their own businesses. This enables them to become economically independent and contributes to the development of the local economy.

The British approach is based on collaboration with businesses. The Armed Forces Covenant program engages employers in creating job vacancies aimed at veterans. Moreover, employers are provided with information and training on working with individuals who have specific needs, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This ensures a two-way integration process: veterans gain employment, while employers receive trained workers.

In Norway, the rehabilitation system emphasizes long-term psychological support. Veterans are engaged in social projects and volunteer initiatives that help them adapt to the new environment. Special attention is given to overcoming isolation, which often accompanies the return to civilian life.

2Photo: The military rehabilitation system in Ukraine is still in development (Getty Images)

What can Ukraine do?

Despite the prolonged war, the rehabilitation system for veterans in Ukraine remains in its infancy. The issues encompass several key aspects: insufficient psychological support,