A delegation from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation visited Cyprus, including Svetlana Berezina, head of the international unit, Tetiana Maltseva, director of the ‘Heart of Azovstal’ initiative, and Natalia Shevchenko, post-trauma growth curator.
Key discussions focused on assistance for veterans returning from captivity or dealing with severe injuries and traumatic experiences. The parties explored opportunities to involve international experts and researchers in programs aimed at rehabilitating Ukrainian defenders.
Tetiana Maltseva emphasized the foundation’s guiding principle: “If there are those who need support, treatment, and help in reintegrating into civilian life, we must be there. This is our duty and our endless gratitude to the defenders for their heroism in the name of freedom and independence of Ukraine.” She highlighted the importance of developing international partnerships, particularly with Cyprus, to combine expertise and create new recovery opportunities for veterans.
The meeting also addressed humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Ukraine, psychological support and rehabilitation for children, youth programs, and assistance for veterans and their families.
Additionally, there were discussions on developing programs for individuals undergoing rehabilitation after captivity and traumatic experiences, with potential collaboration on knowledge exchange between Ukrainian and Cypriot professionals.
Context
- In June, a partnership initiative was established between Cyprus and the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation as part of the ‘Heart of Azovstal’ project. Future collaboration aims to involve universities, research centers, and relevant institutions from Ukraine and Cyprus that work on issues related to psychological trauma and veteran recovery.
