TNMU and the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Combatants Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Veteran Policy

On October 20, 2026, Ternopil National Medical University hosted the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between TNMU and the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Combatants, Military Personnel, and War Veterans. The agreement to develop the outlined areas of cooperation was signed by the university’s Rector, Petro Lykhatskyi, and the Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Combatants, Yevhenii Stepanov.

The discussion on important issues regarding support for the military and veterans was joined by Dmytro Kharchuk, Director of “Veteran Space,” Andrii Yakovenko, Chairman of the Ternopil Trade Union of Combatants, and Oleh Liubynskyi, Chairman of the Council of Veterans of the Ternopil Region.

Representing Ternopil Medical University at the meeting were Vice-Rector for Science and Education Professor Arkadii Shulhai, Vice-Rector for Research Professor Oleksandra Oleshchuk, Deputy Head of the Center for Educational Work and Cultural Development and Associate Professor of the Department of Pharmacology with Clinical Pharmacology Khrystyna Mocherniuk, and Head of the Legal Department Taras Borys.

Yevhenii Stepanov, Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Combatants, emphasized the importance of systematic psychological support, the provision of high-quality medical services, and a deep understanding of veterans’ needs in society. He noted that since 2022, a fruitful and constructive cooperation has developed between the military and Ternopil Medical University regarding tactical medicine training, volunteer assistance, and other key areas.

For his part, TNMU Rector Petro Lykhatskyi suggested contacting the TNMU Mental Health Center, which employs experienced psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists. In addition, a dental department is available to veterans, where specialists provide free dental prosthetics, as well as therapeutic and surgical dental treatment. The Primary Health Care Center is likewise ready to serve military personnel and veterans.

Vice-Rector for Research Oleksandra Oleshchuk pointed out that TNMU is currently involved in all national programs and the development of protocols for providing psychological assistance to individuals with PTSD; therefore, the university’s scientists and experts are fully aware of the scale of the problem.

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Arkadii Shulhai stated that TNMU currently offers training in “Clinical Psychology” at two educational levels—Bachelor’s and Master’s—preparing specialists who will later work in multidisciplinary teams for the rehabilitation of military personnel and veterans.

Dmytro Kharchuk, Director of “Veteran Space,” expressed his gratitude to the TNMU leadership for their openness and readiness to cooperate in the field of veteran policy.

The purpose of the memorandum is to consolidate efforts to implement state veteran policy and create conditions for the effective transition of male and female veterans from military service to civilian life.

The main areas of partnership include organizing professional training and advanced qualification for veterans, their family members, and specialists supporting veterans and demobilized individuals, as well as organizing joint events, campaigns, and information initiatives to develop and promote veteran initiatives.

TNMU Press Secretary Yanina Chaikivska.

Photographs by the author.