Study sheds light on how female and male veterans view the state’s role in their reintegration

From June to September 2024, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation conducted a focus group study to examine how female and male veterans perceive the role of the state in their social reintegration. The research not only explored a range of critical issues but also highlighted veterans’ perspectives on the state’s involvement in their return to civilian life.

The findings were presented at the Media Center Ukraine during an event titled “The Role of the State in the Social Reintegration of Veterans.”

“When it comes to the state’s role, there’s a fair amount of criticism. However, respondents agree that the state’s involvement remains central, with some stating that reintegration would be nearly impossible without it. So, the state clearly holds a significant position,” said Anastasiia Selianinova, head of the educational and analytical department at the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.

Selianinova emphasized that, according to respondents, the state’s primary role in the reintegration of veterans should be to synchronize and bolster the efforts of other resocialization actors.

Selianinova pointed out that respondents highlighted several areas where the state could provide targeted support. “For instance, they mentioned the family unit, suggesting that the state could bolster each family by offering specific financial aid. This would ensure there’s someone to care for veterans during their recovery process. They also discussed the role of camaraderie, emphasizing that the state could offer more opportunities for veterans to connect. This is currently being addressed through initiatives like veteran hubs, which provide a space for networking and peer-to-peer psychological support,” she explained.

The study also underscored the need for the state to help bridge the gap between veterans and civilians, stressing that government efforts could promote mutual understanding and reduce stigmatization. As Selianinova noted, the state can play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, providing accurate information, and preventing potential conflicts in the future.

Natalia Kalmykova, Ukraine’s Minister of Veterans Affairs, stressed that research on veterans forms the cornerstone of policymaking, serving as a critical tool not only for the Ministry but also for other organizations working to support veterans. She highlighted that such research provides a crucial foundation for understanding veterans’ needs and shaping effective programs.

Kalmykova pointed out that examining the studies conducted since the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation’s establishment in 2022 allows for tracking shifts in veterans’ views and the broader public sentiment, enabling data-driven adjustments to policies and strategies.

“With our armed forces expanding during the full-scale conflict, the number of combatants who will transition to veteran status has grown significantly. Every decision about support must begin by asking, ‘What do they truly need?’ Otherwise, we risk missing the mark,” she noted. “And in this case, we are not just talking about any individual—we are talking about people who have made immense sacrifices to defend each of us, ensuring we can continue living, working, raising families, and planning our futures in peace.”

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