Zlatopil, Kharkiv Oblast, 1 May 2025 — The Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have supported the initiative of the Zlatopil City Council to establish the “Unbreakable”, a new veterans centre in Kharkiv Oblast.

This dedicated space for veterans is the product of close coordination among the veteran community, international partners, local authorities, and an engaged civil society, all committed to strengthening the reintegration of veterans and their families.

The idea to create the centre originated during the meetings of the Community Security and Social Cohesion Working Group, supported by UNDP. While the local community funded the renovation work, UNDP in Ukraine and the Government of Denmark jointly provided furniture and equipment, with a total contribution of UAH 390,670 (over US$9,000). 

The name “Unbreakable” was proposed by veterans themselves. The centre offers psychosocial support, reintegration counselling, and legal assistance from a military lawyer and a representative of the Free Legal Aid system, as well as regular engagement with employment services.

The centre aspires to serve as a safe, supportive environment for adaptation and development — not only for veterans but also for their families and the wider community. Looking ahead, efforts will focus on developing a sustainability strategy to ensure the long-term impact of the initiative.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that the effective reintegration of veterans starts with communities — those that not only understand their own needs but are also capable of developing and implementing homegrown solutions. “The opening of the veterans centre in Kharkiv Oblast is a powerful example of how communities take ownership by shaping local support policies that respond to real challenges,” said Mr Cilliers. “For UNDP, this is not only about enhancing reintegration processes at every level, but also about empowering locally driven initiatives that emerge from within communities themselves. Our goal is to help these efforts grow, scale, and contribute to a sustainable system of veteran support that endures well into the future.”

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org