Meeting U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink with Minister Yuliia Laputina was held at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
The state veteran policy as one of the key areas of work of the Ukrainian Government, the transformation of the Ukrainian Defender into a Warrior of Restoration, and the creation of all conditions for such transformation by the state were discussed during today's meeting of the Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliia Laputina with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Ukraine Bridget Brink.
Along with representatives of the Embassy, James Hope, USAID Mission Director to Ukraine, took part in the meeting.
Welcoming the honorable guest to the Ministry, the head of the Ministry sincerely thanked the entire American people for their military, humanitarian, financial and political support for Ukraine. In particular, for the support of Ukrainian veterans provided by the U.S. Government under the “Veterans reintegration program” project, for the assistance of the Ministry of Veterans in creating the Unified State Register of War Veterans, and for the support provided by the United States to the Ukrainian team that participated in the Warrior Games international sports competition.
“In the context of the new veterans' policy, - emphasized Yuliia Laputina, the system of reintegrating veterans into civilian life is one of the most important aspects of strengthening Ukraine's national security”.
Today, the number of Ukrainians serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other defense sector structures has increased significantly. Therefore, a new veterans' policy is needed, based on a clear and effective system of transition from military career to civilian life.
The components of this system include: development and adoption of relevant legislation; medical and psychological rehabilitation; retraining and employment; building a unified information and analytical system of social support and communication “E-veteran”; support and development of veteran entrepreneurship; development of sports for war veterans; housing for veterans and their families.
“It is extremely important for Ukraine to be guided by the experience of foreign countries that have successfully implemented a similar transition system”, said Yuliia Laputina, emphasizing the importance of developing bilateral cooperation between the Ministry of Veterans and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed one of the flagship projects of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs - the restoration of the Borodyanka center for social and psychological rehabilitation, which was completely destroyed by the russian invaders in march last year.
The restoration of the Center is patronized by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has already donated one hundred thousand dollars for its reconstruction, a monetary reward he received along with the Medal of Freedom, which is awarded in the United States to prominent world figures.
“We are already using the experience shared by our American colleagues in the restoration of the Center and are ready to implement the best practices of rehabilitation services for veterans and their families”, said Yuliia Laputina.
Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine on European integration Yaremenko Ihor, for his part, informed the guests about the visit of the Ministry of Veterans to the United States, which is planned in the near future. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
At the end of the meeting, Yuliia Laputina presented Ms. Ambassador with two coins - one from the Ministry and the other from For Ukrainian Soldiers, a company founded by three friends, a veteran and volunteers. It was made from a ruscism warplane shot down over Ukraine.
Today's visit is another confirmation of the strong partnership between Ukraine and the United States.
