Europe – Ukraine: Support for Veterans and War Victims
On October 29-30, the II Summit “Partnership and Health of Veterans” took place in the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing together over 70 speakers from Ukraine, the EU, and the USA. The Summit’s primary goal was to unite representatives of government institutions, international organizations, public initiatives, businesses, medical professionals, veterans, and their families to discuss current challenges and develop effective solutions in areas such as medical and psychological rehabilitation, support for veteran-owned businesses, protection of women’s rights in wartime, and countering informational aggression.
Speakers included Ukraine’s Ambassador to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov, Henrik Hololei from the European Parliament’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, Christian Debeve, head of the Commission on Cross-Border Cooperation and International Relations, Brussels Parliament Member Jonathan de Patoul, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Veterans’ Affairs on European Integration Ruslana Velychko-Tryfoniuk, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Health Oleksandr Porkhun, Chairman of the Ukrainian Peace Council Mykhailo Zgurovsky, and Mayor of Fleurus Mikael Jacquemyn. Their speeches emphasized the importance of cooperation between public organizations and government structures in shaping policies to support veterans.
International Partnership and Support for Ukraine was highlighted as a key area of the Summit. Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine requires not only military and financial assistance but also significant social support to help veterans and displaced persons adapt to new living conditions. Summit participants underscored the importance of combining efforts between government and public structures and international partners to build a comprehensive support system that includes rehabilitation, medical assistance, and social support. Such initiatives are essential for restoring affected regions and laying the groundwork for rebuilding peaceful life.
Medical and Psychological Rehabilitation of Ukrainian Soldiers was another crucial focus of the Summit. Ukraine faces numerous challenges related to the rehabilitation of soldiers who have suffered severe injuries or amputations. Participants discussed innovative methods of medical rehabilitation, the use of modern prosthetics, and technologies for restoring physical and psychological capabilities. Special attention was given to a comprehensive approach that includes both physical and psychological support, as the traumatic experiences of war significantly impact the mental health of both soldiers and their families.
Support and Development of Veteran-Owned Businesses was also a key topic. Creating opportunities for veterans to establish businesses allows them to reintegrate into the economy and regain a sense of purpose, which positively affects their adaptation after military service. Summit participants shared successful cases of veteran-owned businesses and discussed mechanisms to support such initiatives at both the state and international levels. Veteran-owned businesses not only contribute to economic development but also create new jobs for veterans seeking to return to active civilian life.
Special attention at the Summit was paid to the role of Ukrainian women in wartime. The war forces Ukrainian women to take responsibility for their families’ well-being, support loved ones, work in extreme conditions, and engage in volunteer activities. Participants discussed the need for social and psychological support for women, as well as the creation of professional development and adaptation programs. This will enable Ukrainian women to realize their potential and receive appropriate protection and support.
Countering Russian Propaganda became another important focus of the Summit. In the context of hybrid warfare, disinformation has become a powerful weapon aimed at manipulating public opinion and undermining the morale of society. Summit participants discussed strategies for countering disinformation, educational campaigns, and strengthening Ukraine’s information security. The importance of international support in the information resistance was emphasized, as well as the need to increase media literacy among the population.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Ukrainian Peace Council, Mykhailo Zgurovsky, expressed special gratitude to Ihor Vitenko, a Belgian citizen of Ukrainian descent and member of the Environmental Security Council in the Kingdom of Belgium, who organized humanitarian aid for Ukraine amounting to over 5 million euros. Thanks to his efforts, Ukrainian hospitals received ventilators, dialysis equipment, and operational and rehabilitation facilities. For this significant civic contribution, the Ukrainian Peace Council awarded Ihor Vitenko the “Order of Peace, First Degree.” During the event, the “Cross of the Patriot of Ukraine” award was also presented to prominent volunteers, among whom Ihor Vitenko held an honorable position.
Awarding of Igor Vitenko
Particular attention was paid to the support of the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions. Specifically, after the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, nine water purification stations were provided to the affected areas to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The Summit also served as a platform for discussing the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers, presenting new prosthetic technologies, and coordinating the treatment of Ukrainian soldiers in Europe. Participation by European and American companies enabled cooperation in advancing high-tech prosthetics in Ukraine and achieving agreements on partnerships between charitable organizations focused on helping veterans.
The Ukrainian Peace Council initiated the “Peace and Healthy Ukraine” project, primarily aimed at supporting the mental health of Ukrainians who have suffered due to the war. Special emphasis is placed on psychological assistance for wounded soldiers, veterans, and displaced persons who need adaptation to new living conditions. This support is provided by the modern “Rozmova” platform, which has organized over 750 professional psychologists to offer mental assistance to those affected.
Mykhailo Zgurovsky expressed gratitude to European and American partners for supporting Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and European values. He expressed hope that the II Summit “Partnership and Health of Veterans” will promote the consolidation of efforts for peace and democracy in the world.
Thus, the II Summit “Partnership and Health of Veterans” became not only an event for exchanging ideas but also a platform for establishing new partnerships and developing effective solutions to support veterans and citizens affected by the war. Thanks to the participants’ efforts, the Summit laid the foundation for further development of initiatives aimed at providing medical, psychological, social, and economic support to the people of Ukraine.