Successes and challenges of ATO/JFO veterans’ involvement in the public and political life of Ukraine

Abstract

This article presents qualitative results of a large sociological study “Involvement of veterans in the public and political life: from military victories to personal engagements” (2019). 22 in-depth interviews with ATO/JFO veterans, 20 expert interviews, and 4 focus groups in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Chernivtsi, and Kramatorsk were analyzed to explain legal aspects of veterans’ situation, to characterize ATO/JFO veteran organizations and conceptualize motivation of veterans to engage in public and political activity. Possibilities for veterans to return to a peaceful life after the war in Donbas are defined through political, employment, education, and creative opportunities in Ukraine. Internal and external challenges of the veteran movement activities are identified.