Ministry for Veterans Affairs: Discussion on expanding the partnership with Canada to support Ukrainian veterans held

A meeting took place between Ukraine’s Minister for Veterans Affairs, Nataliia Kalmykova, and Jocelyn Kinnear, Director General of the Ukraine Bureau at the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Natalka Cmoc, Canada’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine.

Deputy Minister Oleg Shymansky and experts from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs also joined the meeting.

Since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion, Canada has provided Ukraine with over CAD 23.5 billion in comprehensive assistance, of which over CAD 12 billion is direct financial support. The country is also actively promoting the implementation of the second National Action Plan to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace, and Security” and supports the expansion of women’s participation in the security and defense sectors.

During the meeting, the parties discussed preparing Ukrainian society for the return of male and female veterans to civilian life. They addressed the importance of open dialogue with veterans, greater community engagement, and the creation of opportunities for professional fulfillment. Special attention was given to the role of the labor market and the adaptation of employers and workplaces for veterans with disabilities.

The parties also discussed the implementation of the Women Veterans Reintegration in Ukraine initiative, which aims to support up to 30,000 female veterans and 6,000 members of their families as they return to civilian life.

The meeting reaffirmed the strategic nature of the partnership between our countries, as well as our shared interest in establishing an effective support system for veterans.

Natalia Kalmykova thanked Jocelyn Kinnear, Ambassador Natalka Cmoc, and the entire Canadian people for their active stance and strong support of Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence.