Solutions from Ukraine: Chernivtsi launches Steel project to aid veterans with prostheses

In Chernivtsi, a regional initiative known as "Steel" has begun operations to assist service members and veterans needing prosthetics. This program aims to aid in the transition and adjustment of disabled soldiers to civilian life.

Ukrinform reports this.

According to Ruslan Zaparaniuk, the head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, the central concept behind this project was to bring together all the heroes who sacrificed their health to defend Ukraine.

"We understand that the guys who return from the front line find themselves in a completely different environment. They need a fairly deep process of adaptation. And they also need help with this. I believe that the project "Steel" is aimed precisely at making them unite, support, and allow socializing as quickly as possible and work further for the benefit of their family, for the benefit of their Motherland, for the benefit of our Bukovyna [a historical region in Eastern Europe – ed.]," Zaparaniuk said.

As part of the project's implementation, he mentioned that every region's community will choose an ambassador from among the injured defenders. The ambassador should be proactive and collaborate with fellow veterans to resolve any challenges they may face.

According to Alyona Atamaniuk, the project "Steel" will be implemented by:

• the veteran policy administration,
• Department of Social Protection of the Regional Administration,
• and a veteran hub.

^{Photo: Ukrinform / Vitalii Oliynyk}

"Our region has already implemented many activities to support veterans. In particular, since 2023, we have started building a network of veteran hubs in the region. As of today, we already have 12 such spaces. Ultimately, the objective is to encompass all 52 regional territorial communities. After all, veterans are undoubtedly present and will be involved in each of our communities," the official noted.

During the "Steel" project presentation, a fashion show was held specifically for military personnel with prosthetics. Ukrainian designers showcased their creations for the veterans, who modeled the clothing and accessories on stage.

Later, those present were introduced to the project ambassadors. They spoke briefly about themselves and the issues they would like to help implement.

Military Valentyn Fishchuk from Khotyn said that he lost his leg during an assault in the city of Soledar in the Donetsk region in August 2022. Now, the man with the prosthesis has been transferred to the local Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support.

"Our city of Khotyn is small, but finding a free parking space in the center is almost never possible. There are no markings with spaces for drivers with disabilities. And almost all spaces are occupied by taxi drivers. And if I go to a store, I have to park my car far from the center and go to the store on foot. Unfortunately, one gets the impression that we have all the conditions for business but not for veterans with disabilities," the man noted.

The veteran hopes that the new "Steel" project, for which he has become an ambassador, will address these issues and assist as many of his comrades as possible.

The "Steel" project will be launched this year as a component of the "Male and Female Defenders" initiative. The program's overall budget is 9.2 million hryvnias.

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