Cabinet resolution #779 of July 5, 2024 

Decision-maker: the Cabinet of Ministers 

Status: in effect since July 6, 2024 

Who is affected: the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, local self-government bodies, veterans and demobilized service members, and their family members  

Summary: 

  • the resolution defines a veteran assistant as a specialist who helps a veteran to transition back to civilian life and claim their entitled benefits and services. This includes obtaining certificates, education, rehabilitation, etc. 
  • the work of veteran assistants will be funded by subsidies from the government budget to local budgets. These funds can be spent on: 
    • salary for veteran assistants 
    • other activities that provide support for the veterans (e.g., rehabilitation and psychological services for veterans and their families) 
  • the following requirements are introduced for receiving the subsidy: 
    • availability of trained specialists 
    • creation of veteran assistant positions in existing municipal establishments (e.g., hospitals, inclusion or rehabilitation centers) and establishment of a salary fund calculated on the premise that one assistant will support 100 veterans 
    • availability of a properly arranged workplace for a veteran assistant and budget allocation for these expenses in the estimates of the municipal establishments. 

What is right: the veteran assistant institution is a crucial tool for aiding the transition from military to civilian life. Providing subsidies to local budgets will help communities effectively implement these innovations. 

What is wrong: Ukraine still does not have a comprehensive and effective veteran policy. A cumbersome and unclear bureaucratic system for processing benefits leads to the need for the institution of veteran assistants. Additional resources are also required for the selection and training of assistants. 

Alternative solution: to develop a consistent and effective veteran policy and minimize red tape in obtaining guaranteed state assistance. 

Additional information: 

  • article by Yuliia Pietsko: No place for veterans? How the state policy on veterans in Ukraine should look like. 
  • column by Oksana Zabolotna: Don’t turn veterans into the destitute 
  • Points Considered podcast: (Un)protected defenders: how does the state care for the military, and what is wrong with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs?