Laputina: Development of international veteran diplomacy could counteract hybrid threats

"Ukraine's state policy towards veterans is not just a matter of social protection of country's defenders. This is an important element of national security. Understanding this at all levels of state authority and society will help reduce the politicization of veterans' issues and strengthen national stability," Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yulia Laputina said at a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Ukraine Bartosz Cichocki, the Ministry’s press service reports.

Laputina expressed gratitude for the active support provided by the Republic of Poland to Ukraine and its citizens in the fight against Russia's armed aggression.

Thus, the Program of Support for Ukrainian Veterans Hospitals, which provide psychological support and rehabilitation of ATO / JFO participants, is implemented in Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions jointly with Poland. The program is aimed at training psychologists in accordance with EU and NATO standards.

In turn, Ambassador Cichocki assured that Polish doctors and psychologists are ready to share with Ukrainian colleagues the experience they gained while working with soldiers, who participated in various NATO military missions, and to deepen cooperation on socialization and psychological adaptation of demobilized servicepersons.

In addition, the parties agreed to organize joint training programs and deepen cooperation with Polish veterans centers for the exchange of experience.

As reported, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine initiates the introduction of the institute of a veterans ombudsperson at the state level.

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