Ripky, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, 27 July 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Germany, has supported the opening of a new veterans’ centre in the settlement of Ripky, Chernihiv Oblast. The centre was established through a grant initiative implemented by the NGO Centre for Humanistic Technologies “Akhalar” in close partnership with the Ripky community and through a co-financing mechanism that combined international assistance with funding from the local budget. UNDP invested US$29,300 in the initiative, including US$21,100 provided by the Government of Germany, while the Ripky community allocated US$193,200 from the local budget for capital renovation of the premises, equipment and roof repairs. 

The opening of the centre is part of UNDP and Germany’s broader efforts to strengthen community-based reintegration support systems for veterans, under UNDP’s comprehensive Area-Based Approach to Recovery.

The new centre is designed to provide veterans and their families with integrated support throughout their reintegration into civilian life. It offers psychological, legal, and information and advisory services, physical rehabilitation and adaptive sports activities, professional adaptation services, and dedicated spaces for learning, meetings, recreation and co-working.

The centre has been equipped with furniture, computers, office equipment and specialized equipment required to deliver high-quality services. Particular emphasis has also been placed on strengthening the capacity of the centre’s team. Specialists have received dedicated training to enhance their skills for working with veterans and providing comprehensive, person-centred support.

The establishment of the centre is the result of close cooperation between the local authorities, civil society organizations and international partners. The Ripky Settlement Council carried out the capital renovation of the premises, the NGO Ripky-Promin contributed to implementing the initiative, while the NGO Centre for Humanistic Technologies “Akhalar” coordinated the grant project with support from UNDP and the Government of Germany.

The new veterans’ centre has expanded the network of community-based support spaces that UNDP and its partners are developing across Ukraine, helping to establish accessible, inclusive, and sustainable services for veterans and their families, and others affected by the consequences of the war.

Heiko Thoms, German Ambassador to Ukraine, noted that the opening of the veterans’ centre is a natural continuation of the strategic partnership between the Government of Germany, UNDP and Ukrainian communities aimed at strengthening local capacities to support veterans. “We are committed to helping build a sustainable community-based support ecosystem that enables Ukrainian veterans to successfully transition back to civilian life,” he said. “Equally important is our support for effective local models that can be adapted and replicated in other communities while remaining flexible enough to respond to their specific circumstances and needs.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that supporting veterans is a key pillar of UNDP’s Area-Based Approach to recovery. “We’re grateful to the Government of Germany for its continued support in strengthening services for veterans,” he said. “The centre in Ripky reflects the community’s commitment to helping veterans rebuild social connections, explore new job opportunities, and actively participate in community life. This community-based approach, tailored to local needs, is essential to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.”

Last year, under the same grant initiative, a veterans’ support space was opened in Ivanivka, Chernihiv Oblast. The initiative was implemented by the NGO Centre for Humanistic Technologies “Akhalar”, which also delivered the project to establish the veterans’ centre in Ripky.

Media enquiries:

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