“Return Impossible: Integrate”: Presenting a Guide to Veteran Reintegration

On February 11, an online presentation was held for the guide by the Community of Dialogue Practitioners of Ukraine, titled “Return Impossible: Integrate. A Guide to Researching Veteran Reintegration Practices in Ukrainian Communities”. This research was conducted as part of a project supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, involving the Community of Dialogue Practitioners of Ukraine in cooperation with partners NGO "Dialogue in Action" and NGO "Ideas for Change."

The publication was developed by specialists from three organizations to summarize Ukraine’s accumulated experience in veteran support. It aims to answer a critical question: how can we make the transition from military to civilian life more holistic and effective? 

The guide provides an overview of current practices, approaches, and key trends in veteran support, including: 

• physical and mental rehabilitation;
• support for families of the fallen, POWs, and the missing; 
• legal aid, education, and employment; 
• the role of faith-based organizations and comprehensive service centers.

Rather than trying to cover everything, the team focused on showcasing what is already working in Ukraine – from national programs to local initiatives in small communities. The appendices include detailed directories of organizations working in rehabilitation, social support, and vocational retraining. This serves as a practical tool for communities, veterans, and their families alike.

The authorial team includes members of “Dialogue in Action”, the Ukrainian Community of Dialogue Practitioners, and the National Institute for Strategic Studies: Olena Kopina, Yulia Kaplan, Olga Mykhailova, Tetiana Kalenychenko, Dmytro Fedorchak, and Denys Brylov.

The research was conducted within a project supported by the Robert Bosch Stiftung, with the participation of the Ukrainian Community of Dialogue Practitioners, in cooperation with partner organizations NGO “Dialogue in Action” and NGO “Ideas for Change.” 

The guide is available in both print and digital formats. Click here to access the online version.

The publication is dedicated to Andriy – son, husband, father, and warrior.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who makes this work possible. We honor the memory of all those who gave their lives in the struggle for Ukraine's independence.