96% of Ukrainians Trust the Military, but Only 60% of Veterans Feel Respected: Survey Reveals a Stark Divide.

Inside the 'Veteran Portrait 2025' Study

According to Espreso.tv: A recent survey titled 'Veteran Portrait 2025,' carried out by the Ukrainian Veterans Fund in partnership with the polling group Rating, reveals a striking paradox: while 96% of Ukrainians express trust in their armed forces, just 60% of veterans believe they are truly understood and respected by society. Volodymyr Rudkovsky, a veteran, mentor, and ambassador for the Unbroken rehabilitation center, stresses that reintegrating into civilian life is a deeply challenging journey and urges the public to foster mutual understanding.

Key Challenges Veterans Face Upon Returning Home

Rudkovsky highlights three major hurdles that veterans encounter after coming back from service:

• financial instability
• physical health issues
• mental health struggles

He explains that

“a person who spent years on the front lines or endured captivity returns to a world that has become foreign to them.”

The study also finds that 75% of veterans identify 'society's lack of understanding' as the primary risk they face after returning. This points to an urgent need for better communication and empathy between veterans and the broader community. Rudkovsky emphasizes that

“respect begins and ends in the mirror. The way you want to see yourself in that mirror is how you should treat others.”

Steps Toward Better Veteran-Society Relations

Several key actions are recommended to improve how society interacts with veterans:

• public education initiatives
• family preparation programs
• countering negative stereotypes about veterans
• financial and professional reintegration support

Implementing these measures could significantly enhance the lives of veterans and ease their return to civilian life.

The reintegration of veterans is a critical issue for Ukrainian society, especially amid an ongoing conflict. Supporting veterans not only improves their personal well-being but also strengthens social cohesion and reduces tensions. Bridging the gap between veterans and the public is essential for building a resilient and harmonious society where everyone can reach their full potential. The survey’s findings could serve as a foundation for developing new support programs that address veterans' specific needs and the challenges they face.