Veteran-led theatre performance puts community reintegration at the heart of Ukraine’s recovery conversation
A powerful theatrical performance by Ukrainian veteran Volodymyr Tuka brought the realities of returning to civilian life into sharp focus at a high-level recovery event held in Kyiv. Blending personal testimony with art, the monodrama “One-Day Hero” served as a poignant centrepiece for discussions on how culture and community engagement can bridge the gap between veterans and wider society.
Conducted as part of the flagship EU4Recovery partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is co-funded by the Government of Sweden, the event underscored the importance of reintegration of veterans to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term resilience.
It also marked the continued rollout of EU4Recovery Phase II, launched earlier this year, as the partnership expands its work across war-affected communities. EU4Recovery focuses on strengthening local authorities’ preparedness, supporting people and local economies to recover, and enhancing social cohesion, with veteran support and reintegration built into all three areas.
The evening centred on an excerpt from “One-Day Hero”, a monodrama written and performed by Tuka as part of the Veterans’ Theatre project. Drawing on his personal experiences, the performance follows Tuka’s journey from life in Kherson before the full-scale invasion, through occupation, military service and injury, to finding his place again in civilian life.
At the event, Tuka reflected on the power of storytelling for helping society understand veterans’ experiences: “One-Day Hero is my story, but it is also the story of many Ukrainians returning from service,” he said. “I want people to see veterans not through stereotypes, but as people who continue to create, work, lead and contribute to their communities. I hope this performance helps veterans and civilians understand each other better, and reminds us that every veteran has a story beyond their military service.”
Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, said: “Ukraine is rebuilding despite Russia’s war, while also working towards its future in the European Union. The EU is committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery, particularly in the regions and communities most affected by the war. Through EU4Recovery, we are expanding our support for essential services, local economic recovery and veterans’ reintegration. Veterans defended Ukraine and its European future. Their return to civilian life and participation in their communities are an important part of Ukraine’s recovery. Stronger communities, with veterans playing an active role, will help Ukraine recover and progress on its path to EU membership.”
Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator, stressed that supporting veterans is central to building a resilient and inclusive recovery in Ukraine. “Veterans have already given a great deal to their country. The question now is how we ensure they can play a full part in its future,” De Croo said. “Veterans bring experience, skills and leadership that local communities in Ukraine need. Supporting their reintegration means investing in a stronger, more inclusive Ukraine.”
Elsa Håstad, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, underlined the importance of social inclusion and community participation. “Sweden’s support is grounded in the belief that sustainable recovery must be inclusive and locally owned,” Håstad said. “Veterans and their families need access not only to quality services and economic opportunities, but also to spaces where they can connect, participate and feel a sense of belonging. Arts, culture and community initiatives can play an important role in this process by creating opportunities for expression, dialogue and mutual understanding.”
The performance served as a reminder that reintegration is not only an individual journey, but also a community responsibility. It set the stage for a follow-up discussion at the event on how arts, culture and community engagement can help bridge understanding between veterans and wider society, strengthen social cohesion and create spaces for dialogue and connection.
The evening concluded with networking between members of the veteran community, diplomatic representatives and development partners, featuring products and services provided by veteran-owned businesses.
Background
EU4Recovery is a flagship partnership between the EU and UNDP, co-funded by the Government of Sweden, which is supporting Ukraine’s war-affected communities in restoring essential services, strengthening local governance, improving public safety and fostering social cohesion. Building on Phase I (2022-2025), the partnership is continuing in Phase II (2026-2028), backed by an additional EUR 50 million investment.
Together with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and local partners, UNDP supports community-based reintegration by helping communities develop veterans’ policies, strengthen service coordination, expand veterans’ centres, and create economic and social opportunities. In 2024 and 2025, 26 community veterans’ policies were adopted, while more than 40 veterans’ centres received support between 2023 and 2025. In 2026, strategic sessions in 28 communities engaged 675 participants in identifying priorities related to local capacity, accessibility, economic opportunities and veterans’ participation.
Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org