LVIV, UKRAINE — Andriy Zholob, the deputy mayor of Lviv for Veterans Affairs, has identified a mental health crisis among Ukrainian veterans following a troubling phone call from a former comrade. The veteran, who is a former prisoner of war, expressed distress over his car being towed and inquired about the possibility of retaliating against the officer responsible.
Zholob, a former officer of the Ukrainian Medical Forces, is leading efforts in Lviv to assist veterans returning with physical and psychological injuries, which hinder their reintegration into society. Lviv serves as a refuge for those fleeing conflict and for soldiers receiving treatment after injuries sustained in combat.
Many veterans return home with significant injuries, strained family relationships, and financial difficulties. Zholob noted that some veterans express feelings of betrayal by the government and frustration over a lack of support. The deputy mayor has shared his own experiences of struggling with purpose after military service.
Lviv officials are implementing various programs to help veterans find jobs and engage in community activities. However, Zholob remarked that many veterans are reluctant to work, often feeling entitled to financial support without seeking employment. Current military remuneration is low, with many servicemen earning only a few hundred dollars monthly, despite higher pay for combat deployment.
The national government has announced reforms to increase pay, but many military-age men are avoiding conscription. Pensions for veterans are also limited, prompting the need for alternative financial support.
One initiative, the Academy for Heroes, offers a nine-month training program in information technology for veterans and their families, aiming to facilitate long-term employment.
Dr. Oleh Bilianskyi, director of the Unbroken Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, highlighted the unique challenges posed by modern warfare, including a rise in amputations and traumatic brain injuries due to drone attacks. The center has become a key facility for veterans seeking rehabilitation, with international collaboration enhancing treatment options.
While veterans receive medical and psychological support, Zholob emphasized the importance of providing a sense of purpose to help them reintegrate into society. He expressed concern that public interest in veterans' issues may wane after the war, urging for immediate action to establish lasting support systems.