ASSEDEL
Russia’s war against Ukraine has left millions of people facing the consequences of conflict, including life-changing disabilities, disrupted access to healthcare and long-term challenges to social inclusion. In an interview, our association spoke with Jan Filip Libicki, member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), about his report on supporting Ukrainian veterans with disabilities. As Ukraine looks towards reconstruction, the question is not only how to rebuild its infrastructure, but also how to ensure that those affected by the war can live with dignity, independence and equal opportunities.
The Scale of Disability: A Long-Term Challenge for Ukraine
Senator Libicki highlighted the enormous scale of the challenge facing Ukraine, noting that the country already has around two million veterans. Many have sustained disabilities as a result of fighting on the front line. Their needs will create a major social challenge, requiring long-term investment in rehabilitation, healthcare, employment and community support.
He also warned that Ukraine’s existing social support systems could struggle to meet these needs, even after the fighting ends. Unlike previous European experiences involving relatively small numbers of injured soldiers returning from international missions, Ukraine will have to support a much larger population. Addressing this challenge, he argued, requires solidarity and assistance from other European countries.
Defending European Values: A Shared Responsibility
A central message of the interview was that Ukraine’s struggle concerns Europe as a whole. As Senator Libicki put it, Ukrainians are not fighting only for themselves or for the countries of Eastern Europe. “Ukrainians are fighting for European values” — the values that European institutions and governments so often invoke.
This perspective creates a responsibility for European states to move beyond declarations of solidarity and provide practical support. Libicki stressed that the countries of Europe should recognise the sacrifices made by Ukrainians and help ensure that those returning from the war can participate fully in society.
Reconstruction Must Include People, Not Just Infrastructure
Discussions about Ukraine’s reconstruction often focus on rebuilding schools, bridges and roads. While these investments are essential, Senator Libicki argued that recovery funding should also address the needs of people living with war-related disabilities.
His report proposes that countries contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction fund should allocate 10% of their contributions to developing a support system for people with disabilities. Such funding could help create the conditions for veterans to regain independence, return to employment and support themselves and their families.
This approach highlights an important principle: reconstruction should not be measured only by the infrastructure restored, but also by the opportunities and quality of life it makes possible for people affected by the war.
Disability Rights as Human Rights
Drawing on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Libicki emphasised that people with disabilities have the right to live full and independent lives. In practice, this means ensuring accessible public spaces and transport, equal opportunities in the labour market, and access to rehabilitation and appropriate social support.
For Ukraine, this challenge will be particularly pressing. The economic consequences of the war may place additional pressure on public institutions and social services, making it even more important to keep the needs of people with disabilities visible in political and budgetary decisions.
Lessons from Ukraine: Innovation Born of Necessity
Despite the immense challenges it faces, Ukraine is also developing practical solutions in response to the realities of war. Libicki referred to advances in military technology as an example of how difficult circumstances can drive innovation. He also highlighted approaches to the rehabilitation and treatment of Ukrainian children, including work presented at a meeting in Tallinn by representatives of Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital.
He described these experiences as examples of what other European countries can learn from Ukraine. The same principle applies to disability inclusion: solutions developed in response to urgent needs may offer valuable lessons for social support systems across Europe.
Putting Human Dignity at the Heart of Recovery
Ukraine’s recovery will require far more than rebuilding what has been destroyed. It will also require sustained efforts to protect the rights of veterans, children and all those whose lives have been changed by the war.
Senator Libicki’s message is clear: European solidarity should translate into concrete action. By integrating disability rights, rehabilitation and social inclusion into reconstruction planning, European countries can help ensure that Ukraine’s recovery creates not only a rebuilt country, but also better opportunities for the people who will shape its future.
Watch the video interview on YT: