The study was commissioned by the Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO) and supported by the 'Ukrainian Veterans Foundation' under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. This document was created as part of a project funded by the UK's SDA. The Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee is responsible for the content of this publication. The publication cannot be considered to reflect the position of the Government of the United Kingdom. The report also uses data from nationwide surveys conducted by the 'Rating' Sociological Group, 'Ukraine During the War. The Image of Veterans in Ukrainian Society' (Wave I – August 6-7, 2022; Wave II – January 14-16, 2023).

• In general, there is a positive attitude in society towards all categories of people currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the most vulnerable group to discrimination remains LGBTQ+ representatives, while women and former convicts face a moderate risk, and national minorities encounter almost no prejudice.

WOMEN IN SERVICE

• The service of women in the AFU reflects gradual changes in society—support for gender equality is growing, and the stereotype of women's inability to hold leadership roles is fading. However, over 40% of the population still considers motherhood to be a woman's main duty, although young people aged 18–29 most resolutely reject such notions.
• Everyday problems during service remain relevant. Despite some improvements thanks to volunteers, women face difficulties with securing uniforms, ammunition, and medical aid, a lack of proper living conditions, as well as limited opportunities for career advancement and skills development, which is exacerbated by the reliance on the attitude of the command staff.
• Men generally notice discrimination in the AFU less often, and carriers of 'traditional' values are more likely to support stereotypes, assigning 'feminine' roles to women. At the same time, the key factors in changing the situation remain the number of women in the military, the growth of gender equality in society, and the position of commanders who set the corporate culture and can promote egalitarian approaches.

LGBTQ+ SERVICE IN THE AFU

• Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals in the AFU are gradually improving, especially after 2022, yet over 40% of respondents acknowledge that discrimination exists. There are no formal restrictions regarding salaries or career advancement, but jokes, prejudice, and bullying are common. Openness (coming out) is only possible under supportive command, which ultimately determines the level of acceptance and protection.
• The perception of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the AFU is gradually decreasing among men. However, homophobia, toxic masculinity, and the fear of "losing manliness" persist within the male environment. Rank-and-file soldiers demonstrate tolerance more often, while overt homophobes can be found among commanders, even though they acknowledge that professionalism is more important than orientation. The majority supports the right of the partners of LGBTQ+ service members to receive the body of the deceased.

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NATIONAL MINORITIES IN THE AFU

• Discrimination against national minorities in the AFU is barely recorded. The attitude toward service members of other nationalities is mostly positive or neutral, even towards Russians serving in the ranks of the AFU. Isolated doubts arise regarding the ability of minority representatives to command Ukrainians, but the overall position is: "Anyone who fights for Ukraine is one of us."

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CONVICTED VETERANS AND VETERAN WOMEN IN THE AFU

• Discrimination against convicted veterans and veteran women in the AFU appears weaker than expected. Despite a generally prejudiced attitude toward former prisoners, the majority positively perceives those who have been pardoned and are serving after February 24, 2022, allowing only for restrictions on individuals with serious crimes and emphasizing the need for a thorough review of their conduct.

SOCIAL ISSUES

• Social issues remain problematic due to bureaucracy, queues, and chaos in the system for processing aid and certificates, especially for wounded service members. The key solutions are seen to be the introduction of electronic document management, similar to "Diia," the reduction of paper procedures, the reform of medical commissions, and better training of personnel for working with the military.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE‍

• Psychological assistance is one of the main needs of service members and veterans. Service often destroys family relationships, particularly for female service members with civilian husbands, and creates high levels of stress, PTSD, and depression. However, the psychological support system within the AFU is largely ineffective due to a shortage of specialists and low qualifications, which reinforces the need to reform the service and expand assistance to both service members and their families.

EXPECTATIONS FOR RETURNING TO CIVILIAN LIFE. PROBLEMS

• Expectations for returning to civilian life are associated with risks of family conflicts, unemployment, health problems, alcoholism, and psychological disorders. The key challenges will be social and psychological adaptation, employment, and rehabilitation. The state, along with society, foundations, and international organizations, must ensure comprehensive support for veterans.