The All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine took part in the panel discussion “Heroes Without Support: The Cost of Ineffective Veteran Policy and an Action Plan,” organized by the Ukrainian Institute for the Future (UIF).

During the event, the main focus was on how to make veteran policy not declarative but effective — how to ensure real social protection and support for those who defended Ukraine. Active participation in the discussion was taken by Ihor Mari, Head of the Kyiv City Organization of the Trade Union, and a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war:
“Today, defenders often face not support, but the indifference of the system.
People who have devoted years of their lives to the frontline should not have to wait for favors — they must receive what they are rightfully owed for their service. This is not a question of benefits, but of justice. As a Trade Union, we will stand in defense of every warrior, because veteran policy must become a part of national security — a strong veteran means a strong country.”

Among the participants were representatives of veteran organizations, trade unions, the parliament, and business, including:
- Anatolii Amelin — Executive Director and Co-founder of UIF;
- Serhii Pozniak — servicemember, Head of the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs;
- Anatolii Ostapenko — Head of the Verkhovna Rada Subcommittee on Social Protection of Veterans' Rights;
- Ruslan Prykhodko — Director of the Department of Social Work of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs;
- Pavlo Moroz — Director of the Corporate and Social Responsibility Department at MHP.

Together, the participants sought ways to make support for veterans real rather than merely formal, because the future of Ukraine belongs to those who defended it.