On 29 October 2025, a final roundtable was held at SumDU on results of implementing the project “Veteran PRO in Sumy Oblast: Building Institutional Capacity for Veteran Reintegration into Civilian Life”.

The event brought together veterans, academic community, government bodies, public organizations and institutions within veteran policies. The discussion was attended by Oleh HRYHOROV (head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration) and Olha REZNICHENKO (representative of the United Nations Development Program).

The roundtable was coordinated by Andriana KOSTENKO. She is head of the Department of Psychology, Political Science and Sociocultural Technologies; head of the Center for Social Research at SumDU; member of the board of the NGO “Intellect of Sumy Region”.

The project was implemented by SumDU scientists in cooperation with the NGO “Intellect of Sumy Region” and the body “Veteran PRO: Sumy Region”. It was funded by the Government of Denmark. The goal is to strengthen the institutional capacity of regional structures that contribute to reintegration of veterans into civilian life. Also, one had to form a sustainable ecosystem of support for defenders in Sumy Oblast.

The participants discussed key challenges of social adaptation of veterans. Noted about need for effective interaction between science, government and public sector. Considered further steps in development of the regional veteran community.

Oleksandr BRIZHATYI (vice-rector of SumDU) emphasized importance of a systematic approach to rehabilitation and social adaptation of the military:

“The university is doing everything possible to support veterans and develop necessary infrastructure. We have created the Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine “ReHAB”, which is ready to provide a full range of rehabilitation services: from diagnostics to restoration of functional capabilities. We are working to ensure that veterans can receive these services free of charge within the National Health Insurance Package”.

Oleh LIEBIEDIEV (head of the Veteran Space Center) spoke work about of the Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine “ReHAB”, which creates conditions for high-quality physical and psychological rehabilitation of veterans.

Olena KUPENKO (professor of the Department of Psychology, Political Science and Sociocultural Technologies) presented results of study conducted by the Ukrainian Research Foundation. It outlined main needs of veterans. She emphasized that reintegration services should be accessible, widespread and interdisciplinary.

The participants paid special attention to social adaptation through educational and cultural events, in particular veteran camps. It establishes communication, increases confidence, and finds new life directions after service.

Andriana KOSTENKO emphasized the importance of creating a network of mutual support between veteran organizations:

“Unification of veteran communities allows for exchanging experience, holding joint events, and implementing initiatives. It is important that veterans participate in planning local programs. Their voice must be heard”.

The event also honored winners of the youth initiative contest on the veteran theme “Community and Veterans: The Power of Cooperation”. It was aimed at supporting ideas that strengthen the connection between communities and defenders.