Draft bill #9421 of June 26, 2023 

Sponsor: the Cabinet of Ministers 

Status: adopted in the first reading 

Who is affected: veterans, the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, and educational establishments 

Summary: 

  • war veterans will be involved in training the population for national resistance 
  • the Ministry of Veteran Affairs will be added to the list of organizations responsible for basic military training of citizens. 

What is right: 

  • war veterans have valuable combat experience that can be used to prepare civilians for action during armed conflicts. Their knowledge and skills can help citizens better prepare for potential threats 
  • involving veterans in public life contributes to their social adaptation and reintegration into civilian life 
  • adding the Ministry of Veteran Affairs to the list of entities responsible for basic military training facilitates the coordination of efforts among various government authorities in this sector. 

What is wrong: social adaptation alone is not sufficient for the full adaptation of veterans, as their needs are much more diverse. A comprehensive state policy for veterans is necessary for effective support. 

Alternative solution: it is important to develop a comprehensive state policy for veterans that includes medical, psychological, and social assistance, as well as support in education and employment. This will help them transition back to civilian life. 

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?