From outdated law to modern policy: Government approves key veterans’ policy bill
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, at a special meeting dedicated to veterans’ policy, approved the draft law “On the fundamental principles of state veterans’ policy for veterans who participated in repelling the russian federation’s armed aggression against Ukraine.”
This bill effectively updates the outdated 1993 law, reflecting current realities: it defines statuses for veterans and their families, ensuring comprehensive medical, educational, social, and legal support. All existing benefits and documents remain valid.
For the first time, the bill establishes the purpose, objectives, and principles of state veterans’ policy – a policy centred on the individual, their dignity, and their contribution to Ukraine’s defence and recovery. It clearly delineates and regulates key statuses: veteran, distinguished veteran, veteran’s family member, and family member of a deceased Defender of Ukraine.
The draft law proposes:
- Providing state support and guarantees, including dedicated caseworker support, healthcare, veterans’ sports development, education and professional adaptation, employment assistance, veteran entrepreneurship, housing rights, social support, and legal aid;
- Establishing a national system to monitor programme and measure implementation;
- Introducing veterans’ policy services to meet needs identified through monitoring and evaluation, funded by the state budget;
- Regulating statuses and approving status-confirming documents;
- Defining the powers of authorities in implementing veterans’ policy;
- Establishing the legal basis for creating and operating veterans’ spaces;
- Expanding international cooperation to support the veteran community;
- Ensuring dignified commemoration of fallen Defenders of Ukraine.
This bill is not just a technical update – it reflects our state’s values. Ukraine is moving from outdated approaches to a modern model that prioritises veterans as individuals who defended freedom and now deserve support and opportunities for life and growth.
The bill has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for consideration.