The Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Natalia Kalmykova, visited Vancouver, Canada, where she participated in the Invictus Games 2025 events and held several meetings with high-ranking officials and representatives of international organizations. The main goal of the visit was to attract advanced expertise and resources in the field of veteran policy for Ukraine.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine became the first among all ministries to sign a memorandum to implement the Security Agreement between Ukraine and Canada, concluded in 2024 by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau. Canada’s support now extends beyond the defense sector to comprehensive assistance for Ukrainian veterans.

Key Provisions of the Memorandum:

• Exchange of knowledge and best practices to facilitate the adaptation of Ukrainian veterans to civilian life;
• Studying Canada’s experience in psychological rehabilitation, social adaptation, and medical support for veterans;
• Implementing concrete steps to improve the veteran support system in Ukraine.

During a meeting with Blake Richards, Canada’s Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Nataliia Kalmykova discussed the veteran policy strategy and the next steps in cooperation. Additionally, negotiations took place with Senators Stan Kutcher and Rebecca Patterson regarding the Building Block prosthetics project, which Canada funds. The Minister also met with Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

Cooperation with Other Countries

France

During a meeting with the French Minister for Veterans Affairs, Patricia Mirallès, discussions were held on a memorandum project, which includes joint work on digitalizing veteran services.

Australia

In a meeting with Alison Frame, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs of Australia, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue on developing veteran services in Ukraine.

Belgium

With representatives of DG Health and Well-being, discussions focused on integrating modern approaches to veteran rehabilitation, particularly in the areas of medical and psychological services. Learning from European experiences will help improve Ukraine’s veteran support system.

Israel

With representatives of the Rehabilitation Department of the Ministry of Defense of Israel, discussions were held on the possibility of adapting the Israeli experience to create an effective support system for Ukraine’s Defenders.

Focus on Veterans' Mental Health

At the OSI Clinic, Nataliia Kalmykova familiarized herself with treatment methodologies for operational stress disorders in veterans and their families. Discussions included the possibility of adapting Canada’s patient assessment model and introducing the concept of "operational stress injury" in Ukraine.

At the Atlas Institute (Center of Excellence on Veterans’ Mental Health), an agreement was reached to prepare a memorandum that includes joint research and training in collaboration with "Borodyanka Center".

Recreational Support and Sports

With representatives of Soldier On, an organization that supports veterans and service members with injuries or illnesses, discussions focused on opportunities for participation in non-competitive physical and recreational activities and grant programs for purchasing sports equipment.

💬 "We have gained invaluable experience and support from our international partners, which will enable us to implement best practices in the field of veteran policy and rehabilitation for Ukraine’s Defenders," stated Minister Natalia Kalmykova.

Ukraine continues to expand international partnerships to strengthen veteran support and introduce the best global practices in veteran policy.