Over 32,000 appeals processed: Inside Ukraine’s Crisis and Legal Support Hotline for veterans and their families

On June 27, 2022, Ukraine launched a vital initiative: the “Crisis and Legal Support Hotline for Veterans and Their Families.” The project aims to provide essential crisis and legal assistance to veterans, their loved ones, and the families of those who are deceased, missing, or captured through telephone and online consultations. Since its inception, the hotline has handled over 32,000 requests for support.

This milestone was highlighted during a recent discussion at Media Center Ukraine.

“Since the project began more than two years ago, we’ve processed over 32,000 appeals. These aren’t just hotline calls—they represent lives saved in many cases. I recall compiling reports, attending interviews, and working with the team behind this effort. We’ve had to make emergency calls, intervene in potential suicides, and support individuals who were lost and didn’t know where to turn. This service is about restoring purpose, helping people find direction, and ensuring that anyone, even at three in the morning, can receive the support they need. It’s also about the deep respect and gratitude we extend every day and night to those who are bringing our victory closer,” said Yulia Kirillova, Acting Executive Director of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.

In the ongoing effort to provide crisis assistance, Ukrainian citizens can access help through two key avenues: a 24/7 hotline staffed by professional psychologists offering free support, and weekly support groups that create a safe space for individuals to connect with others who have shared similar experiences in a compassionate, understanding environment.

Oleksandr Chamorsov, a veteran and Chief Psychologist of the Crisis Support Hotline, shared that the project currently runs four support groups each week, with over 400 participants taking part since the program’s launch.

“We have four active support groups. One group is dedicated to female and male veterans and their loved ones. Another group, known as the gentle support group, is specifically for those who have recently lost a loved one. The third group serves as a resource for anyone in need of support due to the hardships inflicted by the war. Lastly, the fourth group meets offline, following an eight-step certified program designed for individuals who have been grieving for 4-5 months. My colleagues work closely with them to help them adapt and continue living despite their loss,” Chamorsov explained.

Chamorsov also mentioned that in addition to online counseling and these support groups, the project is considering introducing individual counseling sessions to further expand its reach.

The Crisis Support Hotline for Ukrainian veterans and their families has seen a wide range of concerns from both male and female veterans. Among the most common topics are feelings of guilt, struggles with reintegration into civilian life, finding purpose outside the military, and the challenges faced by those recently released from captivity.

Family members of veterans often reach out for guidance on coping with the uncertainty of long-distance relationships, managing the emotional toll of waiting for their loved ones to return, and preserving their own sense of self during these difficult times. Additionally, many citizens seek advice on dealing with loss, finding the strength to move forward, and overcoming addictions.

In March 2024, the hotline expanded its services to include legal advice, complementing its existing psychological support and written legal guidance.

According to Veronika Kozhemiakina, Head of the Legal Department at the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, over 967 legal inquiries have been processed in just six months.

Kozhemiakina explained that the legal consultations cover a broad range of needs, from drafting reports and applications to providing step-by-step guidance on obtaining official statuses, benefits, financial support, and social payments. 

In addition to individual consultations and written assistance, the hotline has published numerous articles in the legal domain, and organized six webinars on relevant topics, along with three “How to Start Your Own Business” seminars held both online and in two cities across Ukraine.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news