We initiated a large-scale international conference on developing effective veteran policies in Ukraine, which was held in Kyiv (offline) and Washington (online). We brought together over 50 speakers from 7 countries, including esteemed representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Ukrainian Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the General Staff, the Presidential Office, and the Office of the Prosecutor General. Foreign experts included Bonnie Carroll, President of TAPS; Andre Hollis, Director of Tiger International Advisors; Nathan White-Wilson, Director of Gallant Knights Private Security Services, and others.
The result will be a plan of action for adapting U.S. veteran policies to Ukrainian realities was delivered to representatives of the U.S. Congress. The conference is planned to be a regular event aimed at advocating and promoting effective veteran policies in Ukraine.
“Today, we essentially have a ‘public reform plan’ developed with input from and support by our American partners. The plan paves the way for strengthening cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine in supporting veterans. Now, swift and coordinated actions are needed to turn these recommendations into concrete programs and services. Specifically, during the reform of Ukrainian veteran policy, it is proposed to focus on issues such as medical rehabilitation, housing provision, education and employment, creating conditions for veteran entrepreneurship, protecting female veterans, and developing the regulatory frame.
