In polling and conversation conversations I have had with Ukrainian veterans and their advocates in Ukraine, having material needs met first is seen as the foundation upon which they can address other concerns like mental health. /11
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Ukraine’s advantages in trust and partnerships, but veteran system lacks capacity
Ukraine does have advantages: high public trust in its defenders and willingness to help, and international and private sector partnership. But the system lacks capacity for a mass return of veterans with complex needs. /9
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Kyiv’s prosthetic centers rely on donations, need long-term funding
Kyiv’s health sector needs durable financial support. For example, of Kyiv’s ~70 prosthetic centers, most are financed by private donations. Amputees need prosthetics refitting throughout their lifetimes, requiring long-term funding. /8
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Ukrainian cities not designed for disabled veterans, risk isolation
Ukraine’s cities are not designed for disabled veterans. Without more ramps, wide elevators, or modified housing, severely wounded veterans are at risk of isolation from healthcare, jobs, and their social networks. /7
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Ukrainian officials: 15-20% veterans need PTSD care, clinicians insufficient
Ukrainian officials estimate that 15 to 20% of veterans might need clinical treatment for PTSD or other combat related mental health wounds. Ukraine lacks enough trained clinicians to process complex complex combat mental health trauma. /6
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Ukrainian veterans face disrupted communities and Russian occupation
Ukraine’s veterans may return to find communities changed or disrupted by internal displacement, emigration, damaged by Russian attacks….or are unable to return it all due to Russian occupation. /5
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Ukraine faces reintegration challenge for 2 million veterans
The looming reintegration challenge is large. Estimates suggest Ukraine will have 2 million veterans by war’s end, not counting first responders or immediate family members who need support, too. /4
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Ukraine’s multiple policies support diverse veteran needs
Because Ukrainian veterans have different types of wartime experiences and post-war needs, Kyiv is pursuing multiple policies, from supporting startup businesses, or training and employment placement, to improving state medical benefits. /3
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Ukraine’s veteran reintegration policies examined in Foreign Affairs essay
My latest essay for @ForeignAffairs examines how Kyiv and Moscow are approaching veteran reintegration. This thread focuses on Ukraine’s policies to care for and reintegrate its veterans. /1
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Russian Critic Slams Putin for Destroying Country
He went on to criticise Putin’s authoritarian rule, the state of the economy and Moscow’s recent push to shut down internet access. “This man [Putin] has destroyed everything he could lay his hands on. The country is literally falling apart,” Remeslo said.