Column of Nataliya Kalmykova, Executive Director of the Ministry of Veterans of Ukraine
Life in the context of war is a separate, very special life. A life full of things you wouldn’t wish on anyone: a year of rocket attacks, a year of genocide, a year of loss. But, despite everything, for Ukraine this is also a year of triumphs, victories and battles, which have already gone down in world history.
We, as an institution, lived our first year as a separate small, but confident, stubborn and unconquered life.
I remember how they planned a big strategic session with the team regarding the development of the UVF for March 2022. But that (or this?) spring, we all had to volunteer, quickly find equipment for the needs of the Armed Forces, do the impossible. Some people want to get out of the occupied cities. For some – to mobilize to the ranks of the Armed Forces. Someone — to ensure the purchase of the “Bayraktar” complex. Some people had to say goodbye to loved ones and friends. All of us had to go to shelter from time to time and wander in search of electricity.
Under the first rocket attacks, we formed a team of the Foundation – and now they are the best of the best. These are people who were not afraid to take on new things and build an institution from scratch during the war. Our team knows what responsibility and stability are – we stubbornly do our work, each in his own area.
When the Russians went against Ukraine with “scorched earth” tactics on the front line and Ukrainians were forced to relocate to safer regions, we launched the “20 thousand” microfinancing project, in which 122 families were able to receive support. The total amount of payments reached UAH 2.2 million.
During rocket attacks, during blackouts, we announced and held contests. And they did everything possible to be in touch despite the external circumstances. Yes, we conducted the first competitive programs of the “Varto” foundation, “Varto + NGO”, “Varto 2.0”. And 53 veteran enterprises that won have already started to receive financing and implement their business ideas. In total, the winners of competitions for veteran business in 2022 will receive support for 49 million hryvnias.
Eight public associations that create projects for veterans receive support in the total amount of UAH 6.9 million.
This year, we created a crisis support hotline for veterans, their families, as well as families of fallen heroes, because we know and feel how painful war is. Bereavement groups for veterans, their families, and families of fallen heroes began to work separately.
During the year, we conducted three analytical studies of the image of a veteran in order to better understand the needs and requests of our veterans. And there was a lot more during this stormy year.
Where does our stubbornness and desire to work come from?
From them – our pride – Veterans. With the status and the future – those who, at this very moment, hold back the rush of the horde and give them a tough repulse: near Bakhmut and in the Kherson region, in Zaporizhzhia and in the forest near Kreminnaya; those who plan strategic operations and those who hold their platoon stronghold. Those who are partisans in the occupation.
You are the source of our inspiration and the focus of our efforts. You are our responsibility and pride. Despite the fact that we will never be able to fully thank you for protecting our country. You are the memory of those thousands of the best people of this country, who forever joined the ranks of the heavenly army.
We don’t know what 2023 will be like on the battlefield, but we have faith in the Armed Forces. Their resilience is our motivation. We do not know when the day will come that we will call “victory”, “the end of the war”, “the defeat of Russia” or “the collapse of the Kremlin”, but we are getting closer. We understand how many tasks we will have after victory, so we are increasing our capabilities step by step.
I thank the team for participating in the Foundation – each and every one of them.
We thank the Armed Forces that protected Ukraine; those who are fighting for the restoration of territorial integrity and for our values.
We thank the veterans, because you are our present and our future.
In the second year of UVF’s life, we continue to build professional muscles. We will be stable – for the sake of the strong. We will continue Empowering the Strongest!
