The draft state budget for 2026 allocates UAH 17.9 billion for measures to support veterans, which is UAH 6.1 billion (51.5%) more than in the current year 2025, according to a statement posted on the official website of the Servant of the People party on Friday, citing Taras Tarasenko, a member of parliament from this political force and deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans’ Rights.
“Veterans are not a separate category of citizens, but part of modern Ukrainian society, which is shaped by their courage. That is why state policy is aimed at ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to return to a full life, realize their potential, and feel dignified support from the state and the community,” Tarasenko emphasized.
He emphasized that the increase in funding applies to all key areas of veteran policy, from housing programs to psychological rehabilitation and the development of the veteran movement.
In particular, in 2026, UAH 5.7 billion is earmarked for housing compensation for veterans with disabilities of groups I and II (UAH 1.7 billion more than in the 2025 State Budget).
UAH 4 billion is earmarked for measures to support veterans, including psychological assistance, professional adaptation, the development of veteran sports, support projects, and one-time cash assistance. This is UAH 2.6 billion more than in the current year’s budget and will include new programs for converting cars to meet the needs of veterans, treating burns and scars, and adapting those who have lost their sight.
UAH 2.9 billion is earmarked for specialists to support veterans, who will help each of them navigate the process from applying to state structures to receiving all the necessary services (an increase of UAH 0.9 billion compared to the 2025 State Budget).
UAH 1.1 billion is earmarked for the creation and development of veterans’ spaces where veterans can receive counseling, psychological support, and participate in educational and community initiatives (an increase of UAH 0.6 billion compared to the 2025 State Budget).
“Support specialists, veteran spaces, and rehabilitation programs are an investment in human capital, in returning soldiers to a life where they feel support, respect, and the opportunity to move forward. We are trying to build a system centered on people who have gone through war,” said the MP.
He also emphasized the importance of communication with municipal and public institutions and veterans’ organizations, since the network of veterans’ spaces cannot be based solely on state institutions, but must bring together all existing initiatives.
“Only together can we create an effective system. Because when a veteran is forced to run between different spaces in search of help, it is not useful for him or for the system as a whole. Our goal is to ensure that veteran policy is not reduced to privileges, but becomes a system of opportunities,” Tarasenko concluded.
