On October 24, 2024, members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) met with the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Farhad Farhadov, at the Central House of Officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv. During the meeting, various aspects of denominations' activities in the context of spiritual, social, and humanitarian support for veterans transitioning back to civilian life after military service were discussed.

Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine F. Farhadov thanked the representatives of churches and religious organizations for their willingness to cooperate, emphasized the importance of assistance for veterans, and noted that to achieve its goals and objectives, the Ministry cooperates with various structures, including government agencies and civil society institutions, to provide comprehensive support to veterans in the most important areas of their lives.

Representatives of the UCCRO informed about the activities of churches and religious organizations to support the military and their families, the work of rehabilitation centers, assistance provided to servicemen and veterans regarding medical treatment and prosthetics, assistance in solving their housing issues and providing them with humanitarian aid, education and training of social workers, as well as informing the public about support programs for veterans, servicemen, and their families. 

Deputy Minister F. Farhadov briefed the representatives of the UCCRO about legislative initiatives and projects developed by the Ministry aimed to address issues faced by veterans, including their health care, employment, gradual integration into civilian life and society, housing issues, etc.

Members of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations noted that spiritual assistance can be crucial for veterans' transition to civilian life, especially when seeking new meaning and stability after the service.

In addition, the participants discussed various challenges that veterans and their relatives address to representatives of their churches, such as overcoming the psychological trauma of war and maintaining family relationships.

During the meeting, representatives of the UCCRO suggested that the government, churches, and religious organizations collaborate to provide comprehensive assistance to veterans and their families.

Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine F. Farhadov outlined further steps in cooperation and noted that this meeting laid the foundation for future actions to support veterans.

The meeting was attended by authorized representatives of the Ukrainian Bible Society, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, and the Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith, The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Christian Evangelical Church, the Ukrainian Lutheran Church, the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Ukraine, the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, along with representatives of other public, religious and charitable organizations. The meeting of the Council of Churches representatives and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine was organized with the assistance of the UCCRO Social Service Commission.