News
A professional perspective on the role of women veterans in the family and the conflict of roles that arises after service, by Ellina Ilyinykh — certified psychotherapist, specialist in the EMDR method and sexology, facilitator of support and therapy groups, and psychologist with the VETERANKA Movement.
A Veteran in the Family: Between Expectations and Reality
When a woman veteran returns from the front, she does not simply come home — she faces a new challenge, as her military experience collides with expectations that she will “be the same as before.”
But how can she[...]
26.08.2025
Combat medic Olena Yeriomenko was killed in action while shielding a fellow soldier.
Olena Yeriomenko — call sign Leleka — a sister-in-arms from the VETERANKA Movement, was killed in action on June 29, 2025, while on a combat mission in the Sumy region. A service member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a combat medic of the UAV platoon, 3rd mechanized battalion of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade "Magura", Olena gave her life to save others. She absorbed the full impact of an enemy FPV drone strike, shielding her comrade.
She was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,”[...]
01.08.2025
This month marks seven years of the VETERANKA Movement — a powerful sisterhood born out of war, held together by solidarity, and driven by the fight for justice and equality.
VETERANKA has grown into a nationwide network of over 2,000 women veterans and servicewomen. Together, they advocate for rights, support military units, and help one another reintegrate into civilian life. The road ahead is still long — full of challenges and victories — but the Movement’s greatest strength already exists: a trusted community, ready to stand by each other even in the darkest moments.
To[...]
27.07.2025
Stereotypes and widespread myths often prevent veterans from seeking help from therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists. But these are just misconceptions — barriers that stand between people and real support and understanding.Psychologist, biosuggestive therapist, veteran, combatant, and mother of two teenagers — Yuliia Skrypiuk — shares the truth behind the three most common myths about therapy.
Myth 1: “Veterans don’t need a psychologist — they can handle it themselves.”
The reality? A psychologist is not a “pity listener” or a “life coach.”
They are a[...]
25.07.2025
The story of Oksana Ivanets — a woman who served for 26 years, went through war, discrimination, and ultimately found her place in civilian life.
She’s a retired lieutenant colonel, mother of many, veteran of both the State Border Guard Service and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military journalist — and today, a communications specialist at the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).
Her story is one of endurance, exhaustion, and the right to rest — and to honestly admit: “Right now, I’m just doing my job. Maybe later, I’ll be a leader again.”
For the[...]
24.07.2025
Mavka’s Story, Systemic Failures, and What Steps to Take if It Happens to You
Yelyzaveta, a 24-year-old squad leader in the reconnaissance and adjustment platoon of unmanned combat systems with the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade—callsign "Mavka"—spoke out on social media about sexual harassment in the military.
We’ve put together a short explainer about why this continues to be a problem, what’s being done to address it, and what to do if you or your comrade experience harassment.
This week, yet another story of sexual harassment in the military became public.[...]
23.07.2025
Yuliia Skrypiuk is a veteran and combat psychologist who served for over two years in the Donetsk region. She started in the 109th Separate Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, and later in the Mariupol Battalion within the same brigade. She went from a private to a senior officer. After demobilization, she faced a new city, a new reality, and many inner challenges.
“I didn’t return home after demobilization — I moved to a different city, where everything was new to me and no one was nearby. My kids finished the school year in the Poltava region and only joined me later. The[...]
24.06.2025
“After returning from service, you’re left alone with your emotions, memories, and experiences. The world around you seems the same, but inside — everything has changed. It’s hard to talk about what you’ve been through, and even harder to find someone who truly understands.”
Daria Halka is a veteran and senior combat medic who walked the path from the front line to owning her own massage studio in Kyiv. But this journey did not begin with a business plan — it began with an acknowledgment: you can’t deal with the psychological consequences of war on your own.
PTSD,[...]
18.06.2025
Kateryna Pryimak, head of the VETERANKA movement, has been included in NV’s Top 100 — an annual list recognizing Ukrainians who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s development and defense.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and pride to Kateryna Pryimak, as well as to fellow VETERANKA members who were also honored in the “Military and Volunteers” category: Mariia Berlinska and Yuliia Mykytenko.
Our sincere thanks to the NV editorial team for their continued[...]
16.06.2025
Andriana Arekhta has been named the winner of the 2025 Woman of Ukraine National Independent Award in the “Defense of the State” category.
A senior sergeant in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, weapons operator in a special forces unit, and leader and co-founder of the VETERANKA movement, Andriana Arekhta continues to prove through her own story that a woman in the military is a symbol of strength, dignity, and an example for us all.
The entire VETERANKA team is immensely proud and grateful for her service and protection.
Due to her active duty, Andriana was unable to attend the[...]
11.06.2025