Ukraine | Improving Veterans’ Reintegration in Dnipro: Identifying key barriers and proposing actionable solutions through local stakeholders’ engagement

As of May 2024, there were about 1,2 million veterans in Ukraine according to the Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs, Maksym Kushnir, marking a twofold increase since the escalation of hostilities in February 2022.  

In June 2024, a workshop was organized in Dnipro, by REACH, an IMPACT Initiative to discuss the findings of the Veterans’ Reintegration Assessment published in April 2024, brought together local authorities, NGOs, and stakeholders to tackle the critical needs of Ukraine’s veterans. With the number of veterans projected to reach up to 5-6 million, there is an increasing demand for essential services. The most frequently mentioned needs of the veterans, that were not fully met, included: mental health and psychosocial support, healthcare services, and support with securing employment and retraining. The workshop focused on identifying key barriers and proposing actionable solutions to improve veterans’ reintegration into society. 

One of the primary concerns discussed was healthcare access. Despite available services, such as medical examinations and surgical operations, veterans struggle with insufficient medical equipment, a lack of essential medications, and long waiting times. Participants called for modernizing medical facilities and increasing healthcare staff to address these issues and ensure timely access to care. 

Mental health and psychosocial support  also featured prominently in the discussions. While several community support groups are available in Dnipro, these are often funded by unstable international sources, limiting their reliability. There is a clear need for sustained funding and better information campaigns to increase veterans’ awareness of available mental health resources. Participants also highlighted the importance of further training for psychologists to better address veterans’ unique challenges. 

The workshop further identified the need to improve employment and training opportunities for veterans. Existing institutions, such as the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Employment Centre, provide valuable services, but there is a pressing need for increased funding and more effective communication about these programs. Enhancing collaboration between local and international bodies could also help modernize and expand these initiatives. 

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders. The current fragmentation of services often leads to confusion and inefficiencies. To combat this, participants suggested establishing better mechanisms for information exchange and creating a more unified approach to service provision, ensuring that veterans receive comprehensive and coordinated support. 

The findings from the workshop underscore the urgency of addressing these barriers to improve veterans’ access to essential services. Enhancing healthcare, securing funding for mental health support, expanding employment opportunities, and improving stakeholder coordination are critical to fostering a smoother reintegration process for veterans in Ukraine. 

For a detailed analysis of the workshop findings, read the full brief here.