On August 22, representatives of the regional administration's department for veteran policy took part in the VIII International Veterans Forum “Ukraine. Veterans. Security,” organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine with the support of partners and the veteran community.
The event brought together hundreds of veterans, families of fallen defenders, volunteers, government officials, diplomats, international organizations, and the cultural community.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants, emphasizing that our country's independence exists thanks to those who defend it. The guest of honor at the forum was NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, whose presence was a sign of international support for Ukrainian veterans.
Welcoming remarks were made by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Natalia Kalmykova presented the results of the implementation of the Presidential Decree within the framework of the “Heroes Policy” doctrine, aimed at meeting the needs of war veterans, and emphasized the importance of community work in the process of their reintegration.
Three panel discussions were held during the forum:
🔹 “Strength: Veterans and the Defense of the Future” — dedicated to the role of veterans in the state security system.
🔹 “Return” — on issues of medical and social support, recovery, and return to peaceful life.
🔹 “Prosperity” — focusing on economic development, innovation, and the potential of veterans in post-war reconstruction.
Representatives of Donetsk Oblast joined the discussions, emphasizing the need for partnership between the authorities, civil society organizations, and international institutions to build an effective system of support for defenders in the region's communities.
The VIII International Veterans Forum once again reminded us that veterans are the driving force behind change, shaping the security of the state, the development of society, and the future of Ukraine.