Scandal surrounding the abolition of veterans' benefits: Ukraine at the crossroads of justice and reform

Is it possible to turn the page of history in one moment and leave without support those who fought for freedom at the cost of their lives? When a deputy's word becomes a trigger for a social explosion, the question of state gratitude turns into a national dilemma. Read also newssky.com.ua's material on the experience of veteran support reforms in the world: obviously, Ukraine is facing a decision that will test the maturity of society and the strength of the state's calling.

People's Deputy from "Servant of the People" Dmitry Hurin / © UNIAN

A loud statement: how one social media post stirred up a country

The explosion of public indignation was caused by the initiative of the People's Deputy from the "Servant of the People" Dmytro Hurin, which was heard in the already informal sphere for politicians - social networks. His post about the need to completely abandon traditional benefits for war veterans instantly went viral, causing a flurry of emotions, public statements and thousands of comments from ordinary citizens and experts. Hurin's position is simple: "no benefits - instead, personalized payments, real support through targeted programs, no "scoop" or meaningless slogans"[1].

“Eliminate the scoop”: arguments and proposals of the People's Deputy

The phrase “no benefits” itself became the starting point for heated debates. Hurin cited an example of a Western country where, instead of lifelong discounts, free transportation, and a number of populist benefits, the state guarantees high-quality rehabilitation, professional retraining, mortgage interest compensation, accumulative pension funds, and paid treatment. The deputy emphasized that such a system creates the prerequisites for veterans to return to active life, and does not keep them in the status of “beneficiary with a certificate.” Instead of one-time gifts, there should be assistance that will help them get back on their feet and integrate into society, restore dignity, and not “begging handouts.”[1][2].

Public and political reaction: an explosive wave of criticism and support

Ukrainian Facebook, veteran communities, representatives of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, military personnel, journalists and even fellow deputies did not remain on the sidelines. Part of society, especially the military of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, veterans of the ATO/JFO and families of the fallen, perceived the words of the People's Deputy as a contemptuous insult, a rupture of the social contract and a reactionary attempt to devalue the personal contribution of millions of people. In response, commanders of famous units, presidential advisors and social policy experts cited real stories: “It is not the comfort of a veteran, but sometimes his survival, that depends on benefits. The state cannot absolve itself of responsibility for those who paid the highest price.”[3].

However, there were also supporters of such a reform — mostly urbanists, young politicians, and economists. They argue that our benefits are often ineffective, corruption is increasing, and targeted assistance is indeed more effective.

Between the world's experience and the reality of Ukraine: are privileges really a legacy of the "sovka"?

Looking at the experience of NATO countries, we see a variety of systems: in the UK, the USA, Poland, and France, the system of support for the veteran community is built through funded pensions, one-time social payments, long-term reintegration programs, and a number of status benefits. However, veterans' organizations everywhere insist on symbolic and material recognition of their service, and do not always refuse preferences. In Germany, individual programs include free travel, priority in medical institutions, and additional payments for injuries or disabilities.

Other countries in Central and Eastern Europe are also facing similar debates: Slovakia reformed its benefits a year ago, leaving targeted payments and partially preserving medical support. The Polish government will also balance modernization with respect to tradition. But no country has abolished benefits entirely — rather, it has improved distribution and mechanisms for accessing them directly to those in need.[4].

Current legislation of Ukraine: what does the state guarantee to veterans and military personnel?

As of July 2025, Ukrainian legislation provides the veteran community with a wide range of benefits. Key benefits include free (or significantly discounted) travel by city, suburban, and rural transport, discounts on housing and utility bills (up to 75%), medication, priority treatment and sanatorium-resort care, tax benefits, annual one-time cash payments for holidays, priority in university admissions for children of combatants, and other forms of targeted support.[5][6][7].

The provisions of the law “On the status of war veterans, guarantees of their social protection” detail an individual approach according to the group (participants in hostilities, war invalids, family members of the deceased). As a bonus, the state finances mental, psychological, social and professional rehabilitation programs, purchases prostheses, conducts retraining and assists in employment. In 2024, more than UAH 10 billion is allocated from the state budget to support veterans, and in 2025 — even more[8].

Reform or cuts: arguments from social policy experts

Leading Ukrainian experts point out that the main problem is not benefits, but the quality and accessibility of services. “Abolition is not an option, because key risks remain: total bureaucracy, quality of medicine, accessibility of mortgages. Monetization is a progressive step, but it needs to be implemented gradually and, at the same time, control over state payments should be strengthened.” Lawyers who accompany veterans note that it is the variability of forms of support that has repeatedly saved those who returned from the front with serious injuries or lost their jobs.

On the other hand, in many foreign countries, in particular Scandinavian ones, preference is given to monetary or personalized support. Sociologists emphasize: in transitional societies (and Ukraine is one of them), a sharp rejection of the mechanisms familiar to millions will lead to social tension and mass distrust of the authorities.

Is “UBD status” a cause of abuse?

According to the conclusions of the Ministry of Veterans, more than 1,2 million Ukrainians have already received the status of “participant in hostilities” or “war veteran”. Over the past 10 years, there have been many cases when participation in hostilities actually lasted 2-3 days, and the package of benefits was issued for decades. Deputies have repeatedly tried to improve the criteria and asked for a “simplified granting” of the status for those who participated episodically.

On the other hand, the military emphasizes: even a day on the front line can cost life and mental health. The main thing is not to punish those who actually fought, but to create conditions for transparency and effective verification, not "leveling." Leading lawyers advise not to punish everyone for individual abuses, because this leads to a loss of trust in the state.

Arguments in favor of modernization: what do the new laws offer?

The Verkhovna Rada has been discussing reform options for over a year. Among the ideas are the monetization of benefits, personalized payments, compensation for housing and mortgages, the creation of effective credit programs, and comprehensive psychosocial assistance. While maintaining support for the most vulnerable categories, the state must modernize approaches so that the reasons for abuse disappear and at the same time no veteran is left “overboard.”

The level of support for new initiatives varies: veterans often advocate preserving at least some of the existing benefits, while the liberal economic community insists that the reform will allow funds to be directed to truly urgent needs and stop the "drainage of budget money."

Debates and threats: what really threatens society?

The fear of the majority of society is that the large-scale abolition of benefits will become the “third trauma” after Covid and war: people who have lost everything will be left alone with physical and psychological wounds, without real support. Veterans’ communities warn: a sharp change in course could be the impetus for a new wave of emigration, the growth of the shadow sector and even political destabilization. UN observations and the experience of the Balkans show that the bias towards saving on veterans has returned to power there with the fragmentation of society, a sharp increase in crime and distrust of state institutions.

At the same time, if opaque mechanisms are maintained or nothing is changed, the budget will only be enough for symbolic payments - and in a few years, the meager amounts will be criticized, not the principle of the approach.

Experience, loss, and the battle for identity: will the new policy become a turning point for the country?

The war brought Ukraine not only a new wave of heroes, but also a powerful layer of the traumatized population, which requires a special approach to recovery, rehabilitation, and integration back into peaceful life. The state has no right to leave veterans alone with their problems, but it also cannot indefinitely maintain the Soviet model of static benefits. Experts point out that the optimal compromise is a combination of personalized assistance, full rehabilitation, and symbolic expressions of gratitude that should not turn into an economic burden. The main innovation should be in the convenience, speed, and fairness of support.

The word is up to the citizens — how will Ukraine react today?

The future of veteran support policy is determined not only by the Cabinet of Ministers or parliamentary initiatives, but also by the consensus of the entire nation. The public discussion on the abolition of benefits has already generated a demand for honesty, transparency, and practicality. The launch of these reforms should not be a punishment or a “one-time gesture” — only an integrated systemic policy that takes into account local realities will be the key not only to achieving reforms, but also to preserving national dignity.

The scandalous statement of the People's Deputy has triggered a process of self-reflection in Ukraine, awareness of the role of veterans, and rewriting of the social contract. Trust is not easy to build under such circumstances, but this is a chance for the country to reach a mature, humane, and at the same time modern level of social protection. Whether Ukraine will be able to avoid losing face and maintain dignity - only time will tell.

List of sources

1. https://regionews.ua/ukr/news/ukraine/1752837617-nardep-vid-slugi-narodu-vvazhae-shcho-u-veteraniv-ne-povinno-buti-zhodnih-pilg#goog_rewarded
2. https://focus.ua/uk/ukraine/715172-niyakogo-sovka-nardep-vid-slugi-narodu-proponuye-skasuvati-pilgi-dlya-veteraniv
3. https://tsn.ua/politika/u-mene-insha-prysiaha-nardep-hurin-zahrymiv-u-skandal-shcho-oburylo-viyskovykh-2872550.html
4. https://suspilne.media/423009-u-sluzi-narodu-hocut-skasuvati-dovicni-pilgi-dla-ubd-cim-ih-mozut-zaminiti/
5. https://mva.gov.ua/veteranam/yakimi-pilgami-koristuutsya-uchasniki-boyovih-diy-zgidno-zakonodavstva
6. https://veteranfund.com.ua/legal_consultations/social-garnt-pilgi/
7. https://24tv.ua/economy/chim-vidriznyayetsya-veteran-viyni-vid-ubd-pilgi-dlya-viyskovih_n2853906
8. https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/derzhbiudzhet-2025-pidtrymka-veteraniv-viiny