Kyiv — IREX recently hosted a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation in Kyiv, led by U.S. Representative Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to highlight the impact of American support for Ukraine's veteran reintegration system and demonstrate how U.S. assistance is translating into durable institutions, services, and economic returns.

The delegation met with Ukraine's Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova, Deputy Minister Oleg Shymanskyi, and U.S. Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Julie Davis to discuss the development of veteran services and the effectiveness of international assistance. Discussions centered on how U.S.-supported initiatives, implemented by IREX with Ukrainian government and community partners, are building a high-quality reintegration system at national and community levels.

"For IREX, this meeting was an opportunity to showcase how American resources work in practice, helping the government build a high-quality reintegration system that is strategic for Ukraine's resilience and economic growth," said Yuliya Tkachuk, IREX Country Director in Ukraine.

Over a working lunch, members of Congress met with Ukrainian veterans and graduates of IREX’s Veteran Public Diplomacy Academy. The veterans shared their experiences transitioning back to civilian life, supporting fellow service members, leading community initiatives, and presented their vision for deepening the U.S.–Ukraine partnership. They underscored that Ukrainian defenders and veteran sector professionals bring practical skills in security, technology, psychological rehabilitation, and digital services, capabilities that can strengthen both Ukraine's recovery and its partnership with the United States.

The delegation also visited the Lisova Polyana Mental Health and Rehabilitation Center, a Ministry of Health facility and a core partner supported by IREX through the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund (URRF). There, members of Congress saw firsthand how investments in medical and psychological rehabilitation are returning veterans to active civilian life and restoring Ukraine's human capital.

Throughout the visit, the delegation was briefed on a range of U.S.-supported initiatives that strengthen service providers and expand veterans' access to support, including:

• The e-registry of veterans, created with U.S. support, which reduces a veteran's path to services to just a few clicks;
• A new veteran support specialist profession that connects veterans to every available service in their city or village;
• Practical municipal reintegration mechanisms, including data-based local programs, public accountability and oversight of resource allocation, and coordination among local actors; and
• The replication of successful rehabilitation models in hospitals serving smaller communities.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials discussed how veteran-related issues span every sector — from social protection to the economy — and how continued U.S. engagement supports both Ukraine's long-term recovery and a stable, capable partner in the region.

IREX is grateful to the U.S. Government, Congress, and the American people for their support and long-standing partnership in building an effective veteran reintegration policy — essential not only for Ukraine's recovery, but for advancing shared U.S.–Ukraine goals of stability, resilience, and democratic strength.

About IREX

IREX is a global solutions provider that partners with communities and institutions in the United States and around the world to cultivate leaders, expand access to education, and create economic opportunity. With deep expertise, a forward-looking vision, and world-class practices in AI for Education, Future-Ready Workforce, Higher Education Solutions, Leadership Development, and Online Safety, IREX delivers innovative and proven solutions that help people, institutions, and communities thrive in a rapidly changing world.

For more information, visit https://www.irex.org.