Voices from the Shadows: The Silent Power of Ukraine’s Veterans”

Source: column for ” Ukrainian Truth “

Lately, we have been hearing more about veterans—not as role models, but because of scandals.

The reason is that many find it easier to see veterans as they once were: silent and forgotten.

A comrade once asked, “So now we’re just going to be ‘old men,’ like those from the Soviet era?” I would like to say no. Let the state do its part.

More than a million people held this country together when everything could have fallen apart. Their experience and resilience are what can drive us forward.

We don’t need the state to simply “help veterans.” We need the country to become a nation of veterans.

If this doesn’t happen, something else will emerge—veterans will find their ways to realize themselves. But that might not align with what the state or society wants.

Respect isn’t empty words from a podium; it’s consulting veterans and valuing their input.

One more thing: people often talk about veterans without involving veterans themselves.

It’s time to change the approach. A veteran is not a problem. A veteran is someone who has already proven they can act.

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