Interview on Hromadske Radio with Yulia Goncharova, director of the veterans' fund "After Service"

On International Volunteer Day, we talk with volunteer and director of the veteran foundation “After Service,” Yuliia Honcharova.

Rehabilitation for severely wounded soldiers is challenging and expensive. The state can fund only up to six months of rehabilitation, but severely injured soldiers often need longer recovery periods than currently covered by state programs. This was highlighted on-air by volunteer and director of the “After Service” foundation, Yuliia Honcharova, during an interview with Hromadske Radio.

Listen to the broadcast:

“We see miracles after six months. The state provides six months, and we add another six. But miracles don’t always follow a schedule. For some, they happen after a year or even a year and a half,” Honcharova explained.

What rehabilitation for severely wounded soldiers should look like

Currently, the “After Service” foundation supports nine injured servicemen, all of whom require long-term rehabilitation.

“These are all severe cases. However, some of our men are already trying to walk. For example, they’ve been with us for four months, having spent three months in a rehabilitation center. Others, unfortunately, haven’t yet received help due to one simple and objective reason: we lack funds. In such cases, money works miracles. Rehabilitation in a top-tier center like Modrychi costs an average of $3,500–4,000 per patient. Right now, we urgently need 2.5 million UAH for our nine injured soldiers,” shared Honcharova.

The “After Service” foundation focuses on veterans with the most severe injuries, such as spinal, brain, and vertebral injuries. These individuals often require years of rehabilitation, which exceeds what the state can provide. Honcharova emphasized that six months of state-funded rehabilitation is insufficient for such cases.

“When we have funds, we witness real miracles. People who were told they had no chance—not even to walk but to care for themselves—are now using a cane instead of a wheelchair. And this is all thanks to financial support,” she affirmed.

She urged everyone to visit the “After Service” foundation’s website. In the sections “Donate” or “Active Fundraising”, visitors can choose a soldier to support. Profiles include photos before injury, during rehabilitation, current status, videos, and progress updates.

“All our reports and payment documents are available there. You can choose a veteran to support monthly or donate as little as five UAH daily. Currently, we are committed to helping nine individuals. Six more are waiting, as we haven’t started their rehabilitation due to financial constraints,” she added.

Stories of soldiers in need of help

For Yuliia Honcharova, the hardest moments are when four soldiers show significant progress thanks to funding, but one doesn’t. She shared a story of two comrades in the same rehabilitation center room.

“One comrade completed his two-month stint and donated his third month to Andrii so that he could stay longer,” she shared.

She also called for support for Andrii Pecheniuk, a soldier of the National Police Brigade “Lut’”.

“Andrii strives daily to walk, and he will. He just needs funds. His brigade and comrades are his main donors, doing everything to support him. This includes the brigade commander, combat leaders, and psychologists. You can’t imagine the lengths they go to help their comrades,” she said.

She also mentioned another soldier, Sasha Ivanov, who needs support.

“His mother carries and cares for him. Sasha was in the jeep that exploded, injuring Masih Nayyem. They served together. The unit also provides help, but this is long-term rehabilitation, requiring significant funds. So, dear friends, let’s work miracles. I’ll show you progress updates every two weeks,” Honcharova urged.

Previously, Yuliia Honcharova spent 10 years volunteering. A year ago, she became the director of the “After Service” veteran foundation, focusing on severely wounded veterans and families of missing or deceased soldiers.

In May, the 5344 draft law, developed by the Ministry of Social Policy, was adopted as a basis. According to Oksana Zholnovych, the draft law aims to enhance social inclusion, emphasizing dignified working conditions for people with disabilities, resource accumulation, and expanded support for social enterprises.