Voznesensk, Mykolaiv Oblast, 7 May 2025 — A new support space for veterans and their families has opened in Voznesensk, Mykolaiv Oblast. The initiative was implemented by the NGO “Agency for Economic Development” with grant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Germany, amounting to around US$48,000. Additional funding was also provided by the local authorities.

The centre operates as a structural unit of the Voznesensk City Council’s Centre for Social Services and offers comprehensive support to veterans and their families. The space was made possible through close cooperation between the local community, local authorities, and international partners.

The centre is part of broader efforts to develop a sustainable system of veteran reintegration, grounded in community initiative and tailored to the needs of those returning from military service to civilian life. Its services include psychological and legal support, career guidance, education and training, business start-up advice, physical rehabilitation, recreational activities, and mobile outreach support.

The project demonstrates how the synergy of local initiatives — especially through the active engagement of veteran communities and local authorities — and international support can help communities create long-term reintegration solutions that are responsive to local contexts and real-life needs.

Germany’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger, stressed that the German government supports projects that foster an integrated system of reintegration led by communities and their ability to deliver services to veterans.
“The hub in Voznesensk is a successful example of how a community can make effective use of the opportunities available to support veterans,” noted Ambassador Jäger. “But this is not only about services — it’s about ensuring that veterans from the local to the national level have permanent, accessible, and practical access to everything they need.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, Jaco Cilliers, highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives shaped by community perspectives. “Together with our partners, UNDP supports veteran reintegration at the community level through projects that reflect local contexts and respond to people’s needs,” explained Mr Cilliers. “We see that this approach enables sustainable solutions that remain effective in the long term.”

A veteran support space has also been opened in Bashtanka, based at the City Council’s Centre for Social Services. It provides access to administrative services, psychosocial support, recreational activities, and opportunities for community engagement.

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