At its meeting, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Veterans Policy Strategy for the period until 2030 and the operational action plan for its implementation from 2024 to 2027. This is a significant step towards creating an effective veteran support system that will ensure comprehensive changes and the development of state veterans’ policy in Ukraine.
Read more: Announcement of the second cohort application for the REDpreneurUA program by the Ukrainian Red Cross
The strategy as a key document for developing veterans’ policy
The strategy is a fundamental document that covers all areas of interaction between the state and veterans. It not only defines the initial steps in reintegrating veterans into civilian life but also offers ways for veterans to strengthen the life of their communities, regions, and the country as a whole.
The document was developed by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in cooperation with a coalition of co-authors of the veterans’ policy concept, the veterans’ community, public organizations, and international partners. The document also takes into account global best practices in this area.
Key principles of the strategy
The strategy was developed with a focus on the needs of veterans, both men and women, their families, as well as the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine. Minister for Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova stated that the main goal in formulating the document was to address the needs and issues faced by this category of citizens.
The document includes strategic and operational goals as well as concrete steps to achieve them. For each of these steps, relevant regulatory tools will be developed to ensure tangible results.
Main strategic goals of veterans’ policy
The strategy clearly outlines three main strategic goals:
- Restoring the human capital and well-being of veterans and their families. This includes creating conditions for successful reintegration of veterans into civilian life and supporting their social and economic stability.
- Respect and honoring of veterans. One of the key objectives is to create a system for recognizing the contributions of veterans, which will increase respect for their role in the country’s defense.
- Ensuring national security and defense capability. Given the experience of war and the important role of veterans in ensuring security, this goal focuses on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capability by involving veterans in various aspects of national security.
Principles of the strategy
The strategy is based on principles such as continuity, person-centeredness, long-term sustainability, and realism. This means that all initiatives within the program will focus on the needs of the veterans, take real conditions into account, and create a lasting impact on their lives in the future.
Expected results and tasks
The document also defines clear indicators for achieving the set goals and the expected results. This will allow for monitoring the effectiveness of the strategy’s implementation and timely adjustments to ensure maximum results in assisting veterans.
The Veterans Policy Strategy for Ukraine until 2030 is an important step towards creating a system of support and recognition for veterans, aiming not only at their social integration but also at ensuring the sustainable development of the country as a whole. The implementation of this strategy will significantly improve veterans’ lives and strengthen Ukraine’s defense and national security.
