Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have served in the military. Since 2022, more and more of them have been returning to civilian life — with injuries, new professional needs, and experiences that are changing society. A study conducted by IREX with the support of the U.S. Department of State shows how veterans are adapting after demobilisation, what barriers stand in their way, and why the reintegration process concerns every citizen of the country.
doslidzhennya-reintegracziyi-pislya-2022-roku-1Veterans as part of society
According to the survey results, 20% of Ukrainians identify themselves as veterans or military personnel, and 84% have people with combat experience in their circle of relatives, friends or colleagues. This indicates that the topic of returning from war is no longer a niche issue, but has a direct impact on the social stability and economic development of the state.
Most citizens have a positive perception of veterans: 58% consider them courageous, 59% consider them patriotic, and 46% consider them responsible. At the same time, certain stereotypes persist in the public imagination. 14% of respondents believe that veterans have problems with alcohol or drugs, and 10% believe that they can be dangerous. Such perceptions create additional psychological barriers for those returning to civilian life and highlight the need for public campaigns against stigmatisation.
Deterioration of physical condition and long rehabilitation
There is a significant decline in physical health among veterans and military personnel. Before entering service, 71% of veterans rated their health as good, but after demobilisation, this figure drops to 29%. A third of those surveyed report chronic illnesses, pain or injuries that limit their ability to work.
Almost 40% of veterans are eligible for disability status, but not all of them go through the official procedures due to complex bureaucracy or unwillingness to spend time on it. A significant proportion of veterans do not know what types of medical support they are entitled to, and only one in three reports having access to all necessary services.
Most often, there is a lack of rehabilitation programmes, prosthetics, qualified doctors and quality medicines. Many say that moral support and respect from society are no less important for recovery than medical treatment.
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Psychological resilience and barriers to seeking help
Despite growing attention to mental health issues, most veterans still do not seek psychological support. 63% have never used such services, and among active military personnel, this figure is even higher — 69%.
The main reasons are distrust of civilian psychologists, fear that colleagues or superiors will find out about their problems, and the belief that they can cope on their own. 25% of veterans say they do not know where to turn, and 23% say they cannot find a specialist with military experience.
At the same time, 59% of veterans and 67% of military personnel said they would seek help if it were free and of high quality. This indicates significant potential for the development of peer-to-peer programmes, where support is provided by former military personnel trained to work with the psychological trauma of their comrades.
Legal and social support
About a third of veterans are unaware of their rights to free legal aid. Of those who have sought legal assistance, most are satisfied with the quality of services, but complain about corruption, a shortage of specialists, and complicated procedures.
The main topics of appeals are payments, benefits, housing, and issues related to military service. For many veterans, obtaining legal protection becomes a lengthy process that requires time and additional resources.
The need for information remains key. Younger veterans look for information on the internet, while older ones prefer personal consultations and printed materials. The most authoritative sources are the official resources of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Diya and Army Plus apps.
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Housing and economic stability
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues. Only a third of veterans own their own homes. The rest either rent or live with relatives. Twenty-nine per cent of respondents believe that the state should provide free major repairs to damaged veterans’ homes. One in four supports the idea of creating veterans’ housing cooperatives, where construction would be carried out on a co-financing model with communities.
Financial independence and stable housing are key conditions for psychological balance, which is why most veterans believe that these factors determine the success of their return to peaceful life.
Work, education and new career paths
More than 45% of veterans changed their place of work or field of activity after demobilisation. Half of them consider their new job to be better than their previous one. However, about a third of respondents report difficulties with employment. These include a lack of professional skills, prejudice from employers, and physical limitations due to injuries.
Many veterans find work through personal contacts: 46% through acquaintances from military service and 36% through relatives. Public employment services are less effective, indicating a need for specialised programmes for military personnel.
The study shows that 9% of veterans already run their own businesses or are self-employed. However, more than half need financial support, mentoring or advice to develop their entrepreneurship. Demand for educational programmes, retraining courses and grants remains high.
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The role of the family in the reintegration process
The family is the main support for veterans, but it is often the family that bears the greatest burden. In many cases, women take on the role of caregivers, face emotional crises, and children suffer the consequences of their parents’ traumatic experiences.
About half of veterans believe that reuniting with their families is a crucial step in returning to normal life. However, family members often lack knowledge about the behavioural changes of veterans and access to psychological support. This creates risks of conflict, divorce, and social isolation.
The community as a place of return
According to respondents, successful reintegration begins at the local community level. Veterans need not only government programmes, but also space to participate in community life — clubs, veterans’ spaces, sports and volunteer initiatives. 55% of veterans and 49% of military personnel said that it is the support of the local community that helps them adapt.
The presence of veterans’ associations in communities, the opportunity to study or participate in local government affairs contribute to a sense of inclusion and restore trust in society.
What needs to be changed in veteran policy
The authors of the study emphasise that reintegration should become a cross-sectoral priority — from social policy to economic development. Among the recommendations are:
- include veterans’ issues in national and local budgets;
- improve the quality of public and private services;
- introduce standards for psychological assistance;
- train employers to work with veterans;
- expand grant programmes for businesses;
- support information campaigns that reduce stigma.
Experts emphasise that successful reintegration cannot be solely the responsibility of veterans themselves — it is a shared responsibility of the state, the community and society.
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