Rehabilitation of warriors — the key to the country’s security: results of the III RECOVER TOGETHER conference – more than 100 speakers from Ukraine and other countries, including Israel and the United Kingdom

The RECOVER TOGETHER conference brought together experts in rehabilitation medicine, military personnel, researchers, and specialists from Ukraine, Israel, the United Kingdom, and other countries. More than a hundred speakers discussed how rehabilitation is becoming not only a social task but also an element of defense capability, affecting the resilience of the state.

The founder of the RECOVERY project, Viktor Pinchuk, reminded that the return of warriors to a full life is not an act of goodwill but a part of national security. He highlighted three areas that should not be lost in routine: special attention to defenders, quality care, and a strategic understanding that the recovery of fighters strengthens the country.

The discussions covered everything from severe injuries and fieldwork to modern neurosurgical methods and updated standards for preparing rehabilitation teams. Military personnel shared personal experiences, and the panel was moderated by Taras Topolia, who emphasized the importance of open dialogue about the challenges of recovery.

A separate block was dedicated to technology. They talked about bioengineering, next-generation prosthetics, AI capabilities in diagnostics, and rehabilitation algorithms. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk acknowledged that before the war, the system was outdated, but initiatives like RECOVERY have effectively relaunched it at a new level.

Deputy Minister of Defense Yevhen Moisiuk focused on another aspect: the state must do everything possible to ensure that trained fighters can return to duty, and those who cannot should receive full support — without bureaucracy and delays.

Alongside physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation was also discussed. Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko emphasized that physical and mental recovery cannot proceed separately. The demand for psychological help is growing, indicating increasing trust in specialists and awareness of the importance of support.

Cultural changes were also discussed. According to Oksana Zbitnieva, the number of people seeking information about mental health has increased significantly. These are not just numbers — they indicate that society is changing faster than expected.

International partners also outlined their role. Chrystia Freeland reminded that veterans will become key participants in Ukraine’s recovery in the coming years, and it is now that a system is being formed that will allow the country to rely on their experience.

The RECOVER TOGETHER conference became part of the educational direction of the RECOVERY network. Today, the network unites 18 centers across the country, and educational events have already attracted more than 6,300 specialists. This creates a foundation for a strong professional community and systematic recovery of defenders. We talk about such initiatives because they shape the future of the country and demonstrate the real transformation of the system, which is important for readers of NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.