Projects by the UCU Business School and the UCU Office for Veterans and Their Families have been featured in a new analytical report by Chatham House, the British Royal Institute of International Affairs, as successful examples of support and reintegration for Ukrainian defenders.
The study “Ukraine’s War Veteran Challenge: How a Reformed Veteran Support System Can Strengthen Ukraine’s Recovery and European Security” was published in November 2026. Its author is Yaroslava Barbieri, a research fellow with the “Ukrainian Forum” program.
Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurship
In the section dedicated to the role of educational institutions and civil society, Chatham House analysts highlighted the high entrepreneurial potential of Ukrainian military personnel: according to the data cited, 63% of veterans and active-duty service members aspire to start their own businesses.
As an example of a systematic response to this need, the study cited the “School of Resilience for Veteran-Owned Businesses,” established by the UCU Business School in Lviv. The report’s authors emphasized the value of the program — which was developed and implemented — in providing individual mentoring and access to advisory boards. This allows veterans — whether they already own a business or are just planning to start one — to gain practical insights from leading business experts.
“For us, being mentioned in the Chatham House report is confirmation that Ukrainian business and education are capable of creating world-class solutions. Veterans have unique experience in leadership and crisis management, and one of the goals we set for the ‘School of Resilience for Veteran-Owned Businesses’ was to provide them with business tools and mentoring support so they can leverage this experience to ensure the sustainability of their companies and strengthen Ukraine’s economy,” notes Yaryna Boychuk, CEO of the UCU Business School.
Working with Businesses and Adapting Workplaces
In addition to fostering entrepreneurship, Chatham House experts highlighted the importance of preparing employers themselves for the return of veterans. The document cited the activities of the Office for Veterans and Their Families at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) as a specific example.
The report highlights one of the center’s activities: specialized in-person training sessions for company executives and business associations (specifically, workshops on “Corporate Policies to Support Veterans and Their Families”). These training programs equip HR professionals with practical communication tools and provide consulting support to leading Ukrainian companies.
“We see that Ukrainian employers are ready to hire veterans, but often don’t know how to properly structure this process: how to communicate, prepare the team, and create a comfortable work environment. Stereotypes still exist in society, particularly the notion that all veterans return from war with PTSD. At the same time, the challenges are much broader. Often, we don’t know how to support a colleague whose loved one was killed in the war, taken prisoner, or went missing in action. “That is precisely why we are working with businesses to overcome prejudices and foster a culture of support for veterans and their families in the workplace,” comments Andriy Kaspshyshak, head of the Office for Veterans and Their Families at UCU.
This year, the UCU Business School team also presented the findings of a study titled “Characteristics of Employment for Male and Female Veterans in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Ukraine,” which was conducted in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund. Based on the study’s findings, a series of meetings and workshops was held for business representatives. We invite you to learn more about the project and the recommendations developed for businesses by following this link.
Why is recognition at the Chatham House level important?
When creating and implementing such educational projects, it is important that they contribute to the country’s future:
- Cultural change, not just service provision. Universities and civil society organizations are drivers of cultural change in Ukrainian society.
- Removing barriers to employment. Business education helps employers overcome stereotypes, properly assess military experience, and create an inclusive environment.
- Economic empowerment of veterans. Projects by the UCU Business School help veterans move away from being passive recipients of benefits and equip them with the tools for financial independence and self-fulfillment.
- Labor Market Stability and Recovery. Amid a severe labor shortage in Ukraine, integrating veterans into the active economy strengthens the country’s resilience and lays the foundation for post-war recovery.
Background Information
Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) is an influential British nonprofit, nongovernmental think tank in London, founded in 1920. Its primary goal is to study international relations and seek solutions to global problems.
