Returning to civilian life after military service is a complex and multi-layered process that requires more than medical treatment. Many veterans face psychological difficulties, social isolation and loss of sense of belonging. In this context, physical activity and participation in sports events are considered as an effective recovery tool. Sport helps not only to improve physical condition, but also to gradually restore inner balance, social connections and faith in personal capabilities. That is why the issue of veteran sports is gradually moving into the sphere of state policy — not as a gesture of support, but as part of a systemic approach to rehabilitation. Deputy Minister of Veteran Affairs of Ukraine Ruslan Prykhodko expressed his position on how sports are integrated into state support for veterans.
Ruslan Prykhodko believes that the return to civilian life after the war is a challenge that requires a systematic response. Veterans face not only the physical effects of combat, but often much deeper emotional, psychological, and social trauma. In this context, he considers sport as an effective tool for not only physical, but also mental and social rehabilitation.
He notes that sport is the first “bridge” between a traumatic experience and a new quality of life. As he emphasizes, this is not a theoretical assumption – he personally saw the transformative power of sports during training, in sports camps, in communication with veterans who went through these practices. That is why veteran sports is not an additional project or a side initiative, but has the status of a full-fledged component of the state recovery policy.
Speaking about the history of the formation of this policy, Prykhodko emphasizes that for a long time veteran sports in Ukraine existed only thanks to the efforts of public organizations, coaches and volunteers. Such point initiatives, he said, could not ensure sustainable access to rehabilitation for thousands of soldiers. He considers the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in 2025 of the law, which established the authority of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs for the development of veteran sports, as a turning point.
Prykhodko draws attention to the fact that, for the first time, at the legislative level, the sport of war veterans is defined as a separate direction, covering physical, psychological and social rehabilitation. It’s not about competing for victories, but about creating an opportunity for every veteran to feel supported, restore their physical and mental health, and lead a fulfilling life.
The deputy minister also talks about the state program “Veteran sport”, which started in January 2025. He explains that it is built according to the principle: minimum barriers – maximum benefits. Veterans with the status of UBD or with a disability due to the war receive 1,500 hryvnias every quarter for sports activities. According to him, the application can be submitted through the “Action” application, and funds can be spent in gyms, sections, swimming pools that have the appropriate MCC code.
He emphasizes that almost 100,000 people have used the program in just two quarters, and more than 443 sports facilities throughout Ukraine have joined it. These are not just statistics, but thousands of concrete stories of returning to activity, strength and motivation.
Separately, he focused on the “Veterans Games” launched in 2024 – the all-Ukrainian format of sports competitions initiated by the Ministry. The purpose of these games is not only to determine winners, but to create a supportive community where each participant feels valued. The participants of the competition are veterans, soldiers, representatives of the security forces who have been injured.
Prykhodko lists that the competition program includes crossfit, e-sports, sitting volleyball, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, archery, powerlifting, and rowing. In 2025, two regional stages have already been held, and the final is scheduled for November. This is an example of how sports can be a space for motivation, mutual support and rehabilitation. In 2025, the Ministry also launched the “League of Veterans” project. It is a space where sport becomes the center of family reintegration. Within the framework of this project, competitions, family activities, and children’s zones are open, which creates an atmosphere of trust, safety, and joint recovery.
Prykhodko said that the first event — a wheelchair basketball tournament — brought together 12 teams from different regions. High demand and positive feedback have proven: format is required. The Ministry aims to make such events regular, involving both the veterans themselves and their families. He emphasizes: rehabilitation requires teamwork.
Prykhodko also draws attention to the participation of Ukrainian veterans in the international arena. They adequately represent the country at competitions such as the Invictus Games, Warrior Games, Air Force Trials. According to him, these competitions are not only about medals, but about the demonstration of inner stability, strength and spirit.
The deputy minister reports that in 2024 the Ukrainian team won 32 medals and the third team place at the Invictus Games in Vancouver. At the Air Force Trials, veterans won 76 medals in 11 disciplines. These results are evidence not only of a return to activity, but also an example for others both in Ukraine and beyond.
Speaking about accessibility, Prykhodko notes that the Ministry of Veterans Affairs expands opportunities for sports not only in big cities, but also in communities across the country. This is the key to real inclusion. The ministry, he said, is working with communities, introducing new areas such as amp football, wheelchair rugby, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and actively involving families. He draws attention to the fact that many events are attended by children, relatives, and friends: someone participates, someone cheers, someone helps with the organization. It is not about sport for sport’s sake, but about trust, mutual support and joint recovery.
He notes that for the ministry, sports are part of a full-fledged model of supporting veterans. This is not a short-term initiative, but an institutional policy. According to the official, a person should feel that the state is with him not only at the time of injury or award, but also at the time of return, when the real path to a new life begins.
Prykhodko explains that the ministry does not impose participation, but creates a space where sport becomes a conscious and desirable choice. The task of the state is to make this choice accessible, safe and motivating. After all, it is through physical activity, according to him, that resources are restored, confidence returns, and new social ties are formed. Veteran sports are a real tool for reintegration, an important investment in health, strength and future. If we want to have a sustainable society, we need to develop such tools at all levels.
