Most veterans say family is key to successful reintegration – survey
More than half of the veterans surveyed (55%) called family the key to successful reintegration, according to the results of a study conducted by the IREX Veterans Reintegration and Rehabilitation Program in collaboration with Info Sapiens.
"Most veterans consider the experience of returning to civilian life difficult. But the main factor that contributes to the return is reunification with family. This opinion was expressed by 55% of veterans and 49% of servicemen," emphasized IREX Veterans Advisor Konstiantyn Tatarkin.
It is noted that 63% of veterans and 69% of servicemen have never sought psychological help. However, the demand for such services among veterans is forming, and even grows with age. Veterans with disabilities are the most open to psychological help: 38% would like to receive free psychological support.
It is also noted that compared to 2020, veterans today report worse mental health and greater difficulties in adapting to civilian life.
"In 2020, 62% assessed their mental health as good, now only 37%, in 2020 56% of veterans reported that they had difficulty returning to civilian life, and in 2025 65%," said Yana Voytovska, head of the Veterans Reintegration Program.
It is noted that about 30% of veterans are unaware of their rights to services available to them for employment, business start-up, material support, and social guarantees. Those who have used such services are generally satisfied with their quality. Excessive bureaucracy remains the main barrier.
Almost half of veterans do not face serious difficulties in finding a job. However, among those who did have difficulties, more than a third faced a lack of skills (28%) or experience (26%), physical limitations due to injuries (30%), and biased attitude of employers (29%).
"Another important factor indicating the importance of the participation of family and loved ones for successful reintegration: the vast majority of veterans find work through personal contacts, and not through competitive selection or employment services: 36% - through relatives, 46% - through acquaintances, including from military service," the report on the results of the study states.
The study was conducted in January and July 2025 using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) method. Respondents were both veterans demobilized after 2022 and active military personnel selected through veteran organizations, rehabilitation centers, and veteran gathering places in all regions of Ukraine. A total of 868 interviews were conducted (258 military personnel and 610 veterans demobilized since 2022).