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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
The VETERANKA movement and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War joined forces to host an event dedicated to Ukrainian women defenders.
The program highlighted the continuity of women's military tradition — from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN) to modern-day service — through a lecture by Iryna Kotsabiuk, head of the museum's department for memorialization and the culture of remembrance.
A photo project by documentary photographer Marysia Myanovska offered a powerful glimpse into the lives of women currently serving on the front lines.
Attendees[...]
23.05.2025
The VETERANKA Movement, with the support of the British Embassy in Ukraine, presents a new educational series on the Diia.Education platform – "Gender-Sensitive and Non-Discriminatory Communication in the Armed Forces of Ukraine."
This is a practical course focused on mutual respect, trust, effective communication, and understanding one’s rights within the military environment. Over the course of 14 episodes, experts explore how to build strong team dynamics, maintain morale, de-escalate conflict, and protect oneself in difficult situations — regardless of rank, experience, or[...]
01.05.2025
Kateryna Pryimak, co-founder and leader of the VETERANKA, a volunteer, has been awarded the prestigious Franco-German Human Rights Prize. This award is presented annually to activists from all over the world who dedicate their activities to the protection of human rights.
The French Ambassador to Ukraine Gaël Veyssière and the Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine Tim Pragne presented the award. Kateryna Pryimak was awarded for her tireless work defending the rights of women servicewomen and veterans in Ukraine.
“I am grateful for this award because it shows that our efforts are noticeable[...]
15.12.2024
When experiencing grief, we rely on both internal and external supports.
Internal support comes from our own knowledge, skills, and personal experiences.
External support includes other people, objects, and events.
Taking care of yourself means strengthening your physical well-being and expanding your sources of emotional support. Learning from the experiences of others can be invaluable. Connecting with people who have gone through similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and different methods of self-care. Books and films that explore these themes can also be[...]
25.11.2024
No matter the nature of the loss, it changes everything—your well-being, emotional state, self-perception, and relationships with loved ones.
Sometimes, grief brings families closer together; other times, it does not.
Families with established mechanisms of mutual support are often better able to adapt to new realities, develop new patterns of interaction, and cultivate acceptance.
Loss and grief can also shift family roles. For example, adult children may take on more responsibility for their parents or grandparents, stepping into the role of senior family members. Siblings of[...]
15.10.2024
The Marie Claire Business team spent a day with Hanna Suvorkina, a clothing designer at the ByVTRNK sewing workshop. We invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop.
Officially, women’s military uniforms only became available in Ukraine in 2023.Before that, a national standard existed for ceremonial military attire, which required female service members to wear heels, skirts, and a formal jacket.
As Lyudmyla Darahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, stated at the International Seminar on Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Public Service:
“Over the[...]
07.10.2024