Ksenia Sukhova, Director of the Heart of Azovstal, and Anatolii Fedoruk, Mayor of Bucha, have signed a memorandum of cooperation to expand support for veterans.
Bucha and Kamianske have been selected as pilot communities for a new initiative led by the Heart of Azovstal in partnership with America’s Warrior Partnership and Kyiv School of Economics. The project will draw on an analysis of veteran programmes in Ukrainian communities and best practices from the USA to develop a training programme for local governments on how to support veterans as they integrate and grow.
"We can already see that Bucha community is eager to make a difference - to do more for veterans and active service members. That’s why we’re joining forces through this project with our American partners at AWP. It will offer communities practical training and a framework for building high-quality and effective veteran services. We plan to scale this nationwide, but we’re starting the pilot with Bucha City Council,”
said Ksenia Sukhova.
The project will help strengthen existing veteran programmes in the areas such as education, employment, mental health, and social reintegration.
"A veteran hub is already taking shape in the community - a place where veterans can access support, pursue personal growth and feel a sense of belonging. This partnership with the Heart of Azovstal will bring new meaning and practical value to the hub. Ahead are educational events, awareness campaigns, and expert consultations. We’re combining resources and experience to make sure the veterans know: they are not forgotten. Their strength lies at the heart of our community,”
said Anatolii Fedoruk.
In February, Jim Lorraine, CEO of AWP, visited Ukraine to assess the current state of veteran support in Ukrainian communities. His visit to Bucha and Kamianske laid the foundation for this joint pilot project between AWP, Rinat Akhmetov’s Heart of Azovstal initiative, and Kyiv School of Economics.
