Helping re-integrate military veterans into civilian life requires a new level of cooperation between government and business to create a national platform for thousands of demobilised men and women, DTEK has said.
At a joint news conference in Kyiv, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and leading employers including DTEK committed to finding new ways to ensure veterans can play a full part in society and become a major force in Ukraine’s economic recovery by returning to their old jobs. In some cases, that means doing more to adapt workplaces for veterans who have been injured.
"It is the duty of the state, business, and every Ukrainian to do everything possible to help veterans return to civilian life as soon as possible. These people are our pride, and we treat every one of them with gratitude and respect,” said Dmytro Sakharuk, DTEK's Executive Director.
“With 10 years of experience, DTEK is ready to participate in forming a national platform that will become the foundation for comprehensive support and assistance to our veterans".
Each veteran returning to DTEK is cared for by a cross-functional team of specialists in various fields. Our program includes psychological support, assistance in adaptation with the support of mentors, retraining, additional medical care for the wounded, and a health and rehabilitation program. Some 4,500 DTEK employees are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Deputy Minister of Economy Tetiana Berezhna told the news conference that Ukraine's defenders offered a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and skills gained in war. “After demobilization, each of them should have the opportunity to realize who they are in civilian life. That is why care and concern during demobilization requires joint efforts of business and the state with a realistic understanding of the scale of the challenge," she said.
Other employers taking part in the event included Ukrenergo, Ukrposhta, and MHP.
Ukraine’s government is doubling support for veterans and their families to UAH 14 billion ($370 million) in 2024. Funds have also been earmarked for programmes aimed at helping veterans develop workplace skills.
