With the support of the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program, the VRU on Social Policy and Veterans' Rights, alongside the Rehabilitation Forces of Ukraine, hosted the International Forum “Veterans - The Path Home” in Lviv from November 26–28. The event, attended by over 450 participants, focused on enhancing state policy to support veterans, their families, and the families of fallen and missing defenders.
The USAID RADA: Next Generation Program facilitates public discussions on critical social issues, engaging diverse stakeholders, including international partners, to improve legislation and address key challenges.
Matthew Johnson, Veterans Stabilization Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, remarked: “I want to pay my respects to the men and women who are fighting for Ukraine's freedom and independence. Having lived through the difficult realities of war, they often face difficulties in returning to civilian life. Their way home should include time for adaptation: to reunite with their families and find their identity as a civilian, as a husband or wife, as a student, as a businessman, as an employee, etc. Supporting veterans is everyone's task. This conference shows the high status of veterans in Ukraine. The United States is proud to be a partner in supporting veterans, and we also honor those who gave their lives for peace in Ukraine.”
The forum brought together veterans, their families, MPs, government officials, local self-government representatives, civil society, private sector leaders, and international organizations. Notable speakers included Chief of Defence Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov and First Lady Olena Zelenska, who highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating a robust ecosystem for veteran support: “This is a synergy in which everyone is a partner: the government, the non-governmental sector, the expert and scientific communities. That is why it is important to see everyone who works in this area.”
The purpose of the forum was to develop proposals to improve the state policy of supporting veterans, their families, and the families of fallen and missing defenders. Participants collaborated on a roadmap for veterans’ policy and 2025 priorities, addressing topics such as:
