Attachments
SUMMARY
Introduction
Veterans represent one of the vulnerable population groups in Ukraine, which continues to grow. According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, as of May 2024, there were 1.2 million registered veterans1 . The Ministry estimates that after the war, the number of veterans and their family members could reach 5 to 6 million people2 . It is crucial to ensure their effective reintegration into civilian society. For a successful transition, veterans’ specific needs have to be addressed, including those related to livelihoods, as well as physical and mental health. Although numerous studies have been conducted on that topic, further in-depth research is needed to understand the complexity of veterans’ experiences and needs.
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, REACH conducted an in-depth study in frontline oblasts to understand veterans’ challenges and needs in each of the specified sectors: administrative, social, and legal services, physical healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, and employment opportunities. The objective of this assessment is to comprehensively analyse how veterans access these services, highlighting barriers to access and preferences in the choice of service providers, as well as to assess veterans’ unmet needs. Findings from this assessment will inform stakeholders engaged in strategic and programmatic activities related to veterans' reintegration in Ukraine, including governmental and non-governmental actors.
The assessment was conducted at the oblast level in Zaporizka and Kharkivska oblasts located at the frontline, to note any issues specific to that area. The assessment relied on a qualitative approach, combining Individual Interviews with veterans and Key Informant Interviews with service providers. This approach allowed for capturing detailed accounts of veterans’ experiences and observations, as well as information on service provision and perceptions of veterans’ reintegration from the supply side. It needs to be noted that this method poses a risk of bias as findings are based on respondents’ individual perceptions. Data is indicative of the situation at the time of data collection. In total, 52 Individual Interviews and 53 Key Informants Interviews were collected between November and December 2024.