Following the full‑scale invasion, the structure of Ukraine’s veteran community has begun to shift not only qualitatively but also numerically. The number of veterans has surpassed one million and continues to grow, while the share of women and service members who identify as LGBTQ+ (an acronym referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people) is increasing as well. More than 70,000 women currently serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with around 20,000 performing combat duties. Civil society organizations estimate that between 2% and 7% of military personnel may identify as LGBTQ+. These demographic changes influence staffing patterns, reintegration approaches and the development of state policies.
Perceptions of women’s participation in the military are gradually evolving. In 2021, Ukraine officially renamed Defender of Ukraine Day to Defenders and Defendresses Day, a symbolic step acknowledging women’s role in national defense. According to the Ministry of Defense, over 5,500 women are currently serving on the front line, and more than 20,000 have the official status of combatants. The total number of veterans in Ukraine may exceed five million when including their families, forming a significant social group in the post‑war period.
Despite this recognition, the existing system of veteran support remains built around the traditional image of a “male fighter.” A study by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) highlights persistent gender‑based barriers faced by women and LGBTQ+ veterans in Ukraine. The lack of official data complicates the development of effective policy: NGOs estimate there may be 14,000 to 50,000 LGBTQ+ service members, while the share of women among veterans has grown from about 4% to 12%. These shifts underscore the need to update veteran programs and expand them to address the needs of diverse communities.
In practice, reintegration into civilian life remains difficult. Veterans surveyed in various regions report bureaucratic obstacles and unclear divisions of responsibility between government institutions. In some areas, service members encounter stereotypes that reinforce feelings of invisibility: society often still associates the veteran identity with a man, excluding women and LGBTQ+ service members from the public perception of who “counts” as a defender. Researchers warn that ignoring these groups may deepen social inequality.
Civil society organizations are proposing systemic changes. Experts argue that successful reintegration requires active involvement of veteran associations, gender analysis of existing programs and the creation of services sensitive to the needs of women and LGBTQ+ veterans. Local consultations across five regions have already shown that cooperation between government and grassroots organizations leads to more relevant and accessible support services. Recommended steps include mentorship programs for women veterans, LGBTQ+‑friendly consultation centers and broader adoption of inclusive practices in veteran institutions.
Analysts emphasize that the emerging support architecture must reflect the real diversity of Ukraine’s veteran community. Doing so will strengthen social cohesion and reinforce the role of those returning from war in rebuilding the country.
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