STILL WE LOVE:

The Experiences of Wives of Ukrainian Defenders

29th of June 2026

Portcullis House,

UK Parliament

OFFLINE

“Still We Love: The Experiences of Wives of Ukrainian Defenders” is an advocacy event organised by the NGO Kyiv School of Public Administration named after Serhiy Nyzhnyy with the support of Christine Jardine MP, and hosted at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The initiative brings together Members of Parliament, representatives of veteran and military communities, civil society organisations, and experts from both the United Kingdom and Ukraine to discuss the long-term social consequences of war and the importance of strengthening societal resilience beyond military assistance alone.

The cornerstone of the programme will be a panel discussion entitled “Beyond Military Aid: Supporting Social Resilience in Ukraine”, focusing on veteran reintegration, support systems for military families, and the development of societal resilience, as well as the prospects for long-term cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom in the humanitarian and veteran policy spheres.

The discussion aims to move beyond short-term approaches to supporting Ukraine and instead focus on sustainable solutions for the future — including educational initiatives, institutional partnerships, reintegration programmes, and long-term cooperation between Ukrainian and British organisations and institutions. Particular attention will be given to how international partnerships can contribute to strengthening support systems for veterans, servicemembers, their families, and local communities affected by war.

As part of the programme, guests will also have the opportunity to visit a photographic exhibition presenting the personal stories of wives and partners of Ukrainian servicemembers. Through photographs and first-hand testimonies, the exhibition sheds light on a dimension of war that often remains unseen: uncertainty, separation, waiting, emotional burden, and the vital role families play in sustaining resilience throughout wartime.

In partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Objectives of the Event:

To draw attention to the long-term social consequences of war for Ukrainian society, particularly the challenges of veteran reintegration, support for military families, and the strengthening of societal resilience.

To create a platform for open dialogue between Ukrainian and British stakeholders on approaches to supporting veterans, military families, and communities affected by war.

To facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices between Ukrainian and British public institutions, veteran organisations, civil society actors, and subject-matter experts.

To explore opportunities for long-term UK–Ukraine cooperation in the fields of veteran policy, rehabilitation, support for military families, education, and human capital development.

To highlight the importance of supporting Ukraine beyond military assistance alone by emphasizing the need for investment in social resilience, community recovery, and sustainable support systems for those affected by war.