The Veterans Leadership Programme named among the Top 25 projects of 2025 by the International Renaissance Foundation

“For our team, this is a great honour and, at the same time, a confirmation that strengthening the political participation of veterans is strategically important for Ukraine,” says Vita Dumanska, leader of the CHESNO Movement. “We initially conceived the veterans’ project as a tribute to our Defenders, but it has become something much greater — a community of like-minded people ready to influence and transform Ukraine for the better. Veterans have already proven their ability to take responsibility, and we will continue doing everything we can to ensure their voices are influential at the level of national policy.”

In 2025, amid the fourth year of the full-scale war, civil society continued to operate under shelling, support communities, and develop new solutions. During this time, the International Renaissance Foundation supported around 400 projects implemented by nearly 300 organisations. Within this ecosystem of change, the Veterans Leadership Programme was recognised as one of the 25 projects that strengthened the country.

With the Foundation’s support, the CHESNO Movement team implemented a comprehensive programme to strengthen the political participation of veterans. Based at Warwick Business School and with the support of the Programme’s UK Academic Director, Associate Professor Bo Kelestyn, a unique international fellowship for graduates of the veterans’ programmes was organised in the United Kingdom. According to the Academic Director, the veterans’ visit to the UK served as an important reminder that the war is ongoing — and that together Ukraine and its international partners can transform lived experience into meaningful public initiatives.

“The Veterans Leadership Programme is timely and necessary. Together with the CHESNO team, we have created a space where military service experience is transformed into public value and new pathways for influence. For Ukrainian participants, it is about restoring confidence in their leadership; for British colleagues, it is a powerful lesson in resilience and responsibility. Such initiatives not only transfer knowledge but also build solidarity and hope,” Bo Kelestyn emphasised.

With the support of the International Renaissance Foundation, the Programme also delivered training modules in Ukraine on cooperation with local authorities, mediation and conflict resolution, public communication, memory policy, and the development of social services. A dedicated track was created for family members of veterans and fallen service members, alongside networking and community-building events engaging women veterans and veterans with disabilities. In addition, the team prepared a unique large-scale study on veterans’ participation in politics, offering practical recommendations for the state and other stakeholders.

“We see how the Programme’s graduates are transforming their communities: initiating the creation of veterans’ offices, joining public advisory councils, building coalitions, and launching their own initiatives. Being named among the Top 25 projects is recognition not only of our team, but прежде всего of the veterans themselves — those who continue to serve Ukraine in civilian life,” says Viktoriia Oliinyk, Head of the Veterans Leadership Programme.

The Veterans Leadership Programme has become another step toward a stronger democracy — one where people with real experience of responsibility help shape the country’s agenda. We are grateful to the International Renaissance Foundation for its support and partnership. We move forward — together with veterans and for Ukraine.