Natalia Kalmykova at PACE: Our responsibility is not only to help defenders return to a full life, but also to share this experience with the world

Ukrainian Minister for Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova addressed the Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), where she presented an in-depth analysis of the implementation of state veterans policy, its key challenges and innovative solutions being implemented in the context of the russian war against Ukraine.

She noted that technological changes on the battlefield are creating a new range of needs for defenders returning from the front. Due to the active use of unmanned systems, more than half of combat injuries are now caused by drones and shrapnel. In these conditions, Ukraine is developing a system that aims not only to treat injuries, but also to ensure the full recovery of individuals in medical, psychological and social terms.

"We are a country that is developing a comprehensive veteran policy during the war. The modern model of return to civilian life includes medical and psychological rehabilitation, education, employment, sports and support for entrepreneurship," the Minister emphasised.

Natalia Kalmykova informed the PACE delegates about what has already been achieved.

In particular, Ukraine has one of the largest networks of physical rehabilitation facilities and a multi-level mental health support system. The state is implementing special programmes for veterans, including those who have suffered the most serious injuries.

Over 330,000 defenders are involved in veteran sports. Programmes to support veteran businesses, retraining and employment are in place. A modern digital platform, Veteran PRO, has been launched, where you can quickly find the services and information you need. At the same time, the infrastructure for veteran services is being expanded throughout the country.

Ukraine is systematically developing accessibility and barrier-free environments: adapting workplaces, modernising transport, expanding mobility programmes and creating accessible routes.

"Our goal is for every veteran to not only survive the war, but also to have the opportunity to live a full life again," emphasised the Minister of Veterans Affairs.

Natalia Kalmykova also appealed to the Parliamentary Assembly with the following calls:

Promote the revision of international medical protocols in light of the changed nature of injuries

Ensure support for long-term programmes of high-tech rehabilitation and prosthetics adapted to the complex fragmentary injuries of Ukrainian veterans

Initiate urgent discussion of international control and regulation of small strike drone technologies.

Support further strengthening of Ukrainian capabilities in the field of rehabilitation and training of specialists.

Support the creation of an international Veterans Support Fund =

Coordinate with the Government of Ukraine, in particular the Ministry for Veterans Affairs, to launch new programmes for veterans, female veterans and their families.

“Today, Ukraine is not only deterring aggression. We are the first to face a new era of war — an era where a child’s toy can become a weapon, where every second of delay in evacuation determines whether a life will be saved, and where support for veterans becomes a key condition for the security of all of Europe and the recovery of Ukraine. Therefore, it is our responsibility not only to help those who defended Ukraine return to a full life, but also to share this experience with the world," summed up Natalia Kalmykova.