Ukrainian veterans' perspectives – new knowledge for reintegration and societal development

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have served in the war. Veterans are a highly respected and influential group within Ukrainian society. How have their wartime experiences shaped their views on key societal issues?

This seminar is based on a new survey of Ukrainian veterans’ attitudes towards issues such as democracy, gender equality, social inclusion and trust. The study is a collaboration between the Swedish Defence University and the Folke Bernadotte Academy.

The findings show that differences between veterans and civilians are often smaller than expected, but that specific experiences – particularly war-related injuries and the transition to civilian life – play a significant role in shaping attitudes.

The seminar will discuss how these insights can be translated into reintegration policies, with a focus on psychosocial support, gender equality and trust in democratic institutions. Ukraine is a democracy engaged in a full-scale and protracted defensive war on its own territory, making these experiences unique in modern times. At the same time, there are reasons to compare them with other conflicts and draw lessons for the future.

Speakers

Erik Melander, Professor, Swedish Defence University

Emma Mihlzen, Thematic Officer, Security Sector Reform, Folke Bernadotte Academy

Oleksandr Tereshchenko, former member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defender of Donetsk Airport and People’s Hero of Ukraine; former Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine; Oleksandr Tereshchenko Charity Foundation

Patrik Oksanen, Moderator and Strategic Advisor, Swedish Defence University

Read more about the seminar in Almedalen Week's official program