Samar, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, 15 August 2025 — A new veterans’ centre, Territory of Opportunities, has opened in the town of Samar, aiming to facilitate the effective recovery and reintegration of veterans, servicewomen and servicemen, and their families. The initiative was implemented by the “Warm Heart” NGO with grant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and funding from the Government of Germany amounting to nearly US$100,000. The funds were used to renovate the premises, procure equipment, and organize thematic events to ensure holistic support for the veteran community. Additional funding was provided by the Samar City Council.

The centre was established following a series of strategic meetings and consultations held at the community level since March 2024. These discussions brought together representatives from local authorities, the veteran community, and civil society, as well as social policy experts and international partners. Together, they defined the centre’s mission and core principles, ensuring alignment with the needs of the community and integration into the local social services system.

The centre offers a broad range of services for veterans and their families. These include psychological counselling, participation in therapeutic groups for PTSD recovery, legal and social assistance, and information about available services and opportunities in the community. Veterans also have access to online and offline courses, vocational training, employment support, and assistance registering as private entrepreneurs.

The centre also serves as a community space for events, meetings, lectures, and the implementation of veteran-led initiatives. It features a co-working area, relaxation room, child-friendly zone, and facilities for basic medical check-ups and rehabilitation services. In addition, the centre hosts volunteer and mentorship programmes tailored for veterans.

Germany’s Chargé d’affaires Maximilian Rasch emphasised that recovery and prosperity are long-term processes that require inclusive participation from all parts of society — including veterans. “Veterans possess unique experiences and capabilities that can significantly strengthen communities,” Rasch said. “At the same time, it is essential to ensure they have access to the resources they need to recover and adapt. Initiatives like this centre create a foundation not only for returning to civilian life, but also for continued personal and professional development.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma highlighted the importance of community-led approaches for delivering effective support to veterans. “At UNDP, we work with communities to develop home-grown solutions and help scale them up,” Lootsma noted. “This is especially crucial when it comes to veteran support, where success depends on communities’ ability to integrate veterans’ experience and provide the necessary conditions for recovery and meaningful civic participation.”

The opening of the centre in Samar is part of a broader initiative to establish a network of veteran spaces across various regions of Ukraine, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of Germany. The goal is to build a sustainable and coherent support system that bridges local experience with national approaches to veteran reintegration.

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