Yulia Laputina: Development of veterans' spaces is a guarantee of effective reintegration of combatants into civilian life

The key to the effective reintegration of combatants into civilian life is the development of veterans' spaces in Ukraine. This was stated by  Minister for Veterans of Ukraine Yulia Laputina during the presentation of the analytical study "Veterans: Overcoming Social Exclusion", which is devoted to the development of veterans' spaces in Ukraine.

"At present, in Ukraine, we see the synergy of civil society, public authorities, national and international partners in developing veterans' policy. The creation of veterans' spaces is one of the steps that gives veterans the opportunity to be realized, to discuss problems, to solve urgent issues in their cities. These are communication hubs that provide and develop our capabilities," Yulia Laputina said.

The Minister stressed the importance of transforming veterans from the privileged category of people to active leaders of change in the state, society and communities. And it is through networks of veterans' spaces that they will be able to develop these capabilities.Moreover, it is an additional platform for veteran businesses and startups.

"Such a proactive approach is about a veteran defender in a country at war, where he must not only continue to be a defender, ready to defend the state again but also to develop his economy, his socio-cultural sphere, national-patriotic education, civic identity is all about stability, " Yulia Laputina said.

The Minister thanked the team of researchers for the analytical work and noted that the Ministry will certainly communicate analysis among the veteran community on its information resources, as well as take into account research data in developing regulations.