Ukrainian vets are poorly represented in political power. Ukrainians' trust for the military is extremely high, which looks set to create post-war surge in political representation from veterans.
I didn't vote until after reading the article, which was very revealing. Of course these veterans both deserve and would make good use of representation in the Ukrainian Parliament. It's to be expected though that veterans, like people outside the military, are all over the map politically and philosophically. Any individual candidate would have to be weighed on his own merits.
That’s a great point. It’s true that veterans, like any group, aren’t the same in their views. But what qualities and merits do you think would make a veteran candidate stand out in a positive way?
From what was written, veterans might have an idea what would help their fellow soldiers in terms of rehabilitation and inclusion back into society, which can sometimes be quite difficult. The number of homeless veterans in America after the Vietnam and Middle East wars attests to that.
One difference is that the civilian population of Ukraine has also been under stress so they will be more likely to sympathise and support help for PTSD for veterans and former POWs but also for themselves. Ukrainians are literlly all in it together, something that was never made clear to the general population in America.
As a Ukrainian, I really feel that we’re all going through this together, you are right. I hope this will help people understand and support veterans and their families more. They gave so much, and now it’s our turn to support them.
Another gift military service can bring is the experience of working alongside people who come from a great variety of backgrounds. That is refreshing when so many of us see politicians as out of touch with the needs of ordinary people.
It depends on factors beyond simply whether or not someone serves in the military (I will offer veteran JD Vance as a counterexample). But in general I do think there are opportunities for cultivating connection across class differences here.
Thank you to Nastia and the rest of the crew for these informative columns from Ukraine. I read every article and imagine the bravery and strength each of you musters every day to research and write.
Please say more about how the horrors of bombs and drone attacks play out in your everyday lives. I can’t imagine the complete disruption to otherwise ordinary, daily activities. And may you all continue to prevail.
Veteran care and support is important and essential. There is a social contract between the state and those who serve or served, where the continuing supports, resources, and assistance in transitioning back into civilian life must be provided. Yes, there is (naturally) a lot of attention paid to this during and in the immediate aftermath of war and violent conflict. But veteran lives continue beyond this timeframe. And so long as there is a military there will always be veterans. The number of veterans who require care and support may peak during war, but the fact that veterans require care and support is a constant. Support can also come from advocacy. I don’t know what already exists in Ukraine but one example in Canada is the Legion (https://www.legion.ca).
As an average citizen, support what Veterans are asking for and hold politicians to account for their promises. As a person hiring a veteran, understand that there is a transition period and review company policies to ensure they address veteran concerns. Veteran families also require support. Knowing they are not alone is a big help.
Yes, I agree with you. I also think education is very important, especially in terms of raising awareness about veterans’ challenges – particularly regarding the transition period, mental health, the effects of concussions etc
I agree with every word. Caring for and supporting veterans is an essential duty of the state as a whole. I’m glad to see that more attention is paid to this now, and I hope it will continue. What do you think we, in turn, can do to support veterans?
🤔 Definitely have nothing against veterans going into politics - lived experience, especially as there will be so much ongoing need to support veterans well into the future, will be essential. However, I wouldn't support anyone on that alone - I look at the whole person and their policies across the board. We have seen examples of one issue politicians being hopeless when it comes to complex all-of-society issues, but the right attitude & willingness to learn can compensate of course 💙💛
It’s right to look at people – and in our case, candidates – in a comprehensive way, weighing all the pros and cons. But, what do you think could help veterans become strong politicians with a broad vision of the challenges?
I have always tried to assess candidates before voting for them, here in the UK - a military veteran will not normally attract my vote, unless they have other qualities. However, in the untenable situation in which you currently find yourselves, I would undoubtedly vote for a war veteran, more likely for someone who has lost a limb, or family members. Such a politician would most likely have a greater empathy for their constituents, especially for the disadvantaged, disabled, bereaved (widows and orphans), who require more care than most.
I think veterans who fought in the Russo-Ukraine War* entering into politics and societal leadership would be good for Ukraine, whatever views they hold.
I didn't vote until after reading the article, which was very revealing. Of course these veterans both deserve and would make good use of representation in the Ukrainian Parliament. It's to be expected though that veterans, like people outside the military, are all over the map politically and philosophically. Any individual candidate would have to be weighed on his own merits.
That’s a great point. It’s true that veterans, like any group, aren’t the same in their views. But what qualities and merits do you think would make a veteran candidate stand out in a positive way?
From what was written, veterans might have an idea what would help their fellow soldiers in terms of rehabilitation and inclusion back into society, which can sometimes be quite difficult. The number of homeless veterans in America after the Vietnam and Middle East wars attests to that.
One difference is that the civilian population of Ukraine has also been under stress so they will be more likely to sympathise and support help for PTSD for veterans and former POWs but also for themselves. Ukrainians are literlly all in it together, something that was never made clear to the general population in America.
As a Ukrainian, I really feel that we’re all going through this together, you are right. I hope this will help people understand and support veterans and their families more. They gave so much, and now it’s our turn to support them.
Even before it comes time for healing and closure, I'm sure The Counteroffensive will point a way towards where those of us elsewhere can support you.
thank you for another good issue. Pics add to your stories... keep it up, bro
Thank you! We won’t stop :) Probably, is there anything you’d like us to cover next?
Another gift military service can bring is the experience of working alongside people who come from a great variety of backgrounds. That is refreshing when so many of us see politicians as out of touch with the needs of ordinary people.
Absolutely agree! Do you think this kind of experience would make politicians more connected to ordinary people if more of them had it?
It depends on factors beyond simply whether or not someone serves in the military (I will offer veteran JD Vance as a counterexample). But in general I do think there are opportunities for cultivating connection across class differences here.
Thank you to Nastia and the rest of the crew for these informative columns from Ukraine. I read every article and imagine the bravery and strength each of you musters every day to research and write.
Please say more about how the horrors of bombs and drone attacks play out in your everyday lives. I can’t imagine the complete disruption to otherwise ordinary, daily activities. And may you all continue to prevail.
Thank you for such kind words! It inspires us to continue our work!
Veteran care and support is important and essential. There is a social contract between the state and those who serve or served, where the continuing supports, resources, and assistance in transitioning back into civilian life must be provided. Yes, there is (naturally) a lot of attention paid to this during and in the immediate aftermath of war and violent conflict. But veteran lives continue beyond this timeframe. And so long as there is a military there will always be veterans. The number of veterans who require care and support may peak during war, but the fact that veterans require care and support is a constant. Support can also come from advocacy. I don’t know what already exists in Ukraine but one example in Canada is the Legion (https://www.legion.ca).
As an average citizen, support what Veterans are asking for and hold politicians to account for their promises. As a person hiring a veteran, understand that there is a transition period and review company policies to ensure they address veteran concerns. Veteran families also require support. Knowing they are not alone is a big help.
Yes, I agree with you. I also think education is very important, especially in terms of raising awareness about veterans’ challenges – particularly regarding the transition period, mental health, the effects of concussions etc
I’m 100% with you on this.
I agree with every word. Caring for and supporting veterans is an essential duty of the state as a whole. I’m glad to see that more attention is paid to this now, and I hope it will continue. What do you think we, in turn, can do to support veterans?
🤔 Definitely have nothing against veterans going into politics - lived experience, especially as there will be so much ongoing need to support veterans well into the future, will be essential. However, I wouldn't support anyone on that alone - I look at the whole person and their policies across the board. We have seen examples of one issue politicians being hopeless when it comes to complex all-of-society issues, but the right attitude & willingness to learn can compensate of course 💙💛
It’s right to look at people – and in our case, candidates – in a comprehensive way, weighing all the pros and cons. But, what do you think could help veterans become strong politicians with a broad vision of the challenges?
Can't say it better than Larry Rivera. Thank you.
Thank you for your support!
I have always tried to assess candidates before voting for them, here in the UK - a military veteran will not normally attract my vote, unless they have other qualities. However, in the untenable situation in which you currently find yourselves, I would undoubtedly vote for a war veteran, more likely for someone who has lost a limb, or family members. Such a politician would most likely have a greater empathy for their constituents, especially for the disadvantaged, disabled, bereaved (widows and orphans), who require more care than most.
A drag indeed !!
What's it take to get a sheet of those stamps ?
They are highly coveted collectors items. Tim waited all day in line for them and didn’t get them sadly
I think veterans who fought in the Russo-Ukraine War* entering into politics and societal leadership would be good for Ukraine, whatever views they hold.
*does it have a name yet?