Lithuania is not only next to Ukraine on the front lines. A true friend and reliable partner invests in our future, in the resilience of people affected by the war. 15 million euros — that’s how much the Lithuanian Development and Humanitarian Aid Fund has allocated since 2024 to the rehabilitation and reintegration program for Ukrainians. This is not just financial support — it is a step toward a new life for those defending Ukraine’s freedom.
The program is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency of Lithuania (CPVA). It envisions restoring rehabilitation centres in Zhytomyr, Dnipro, and Lviv, training medical professionals, introducing new standards, and finding effective solutions for scaling.
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“This program has special value, because it is an investment in the recovery of Ukraine’s most important resource — its people. The goal is to help bring the bravest — fighters for freedom — back to a full life. This is a long-term commitment of Lithuania, a manifestation of solidarity and responsibility for the future,” says Mariana Varkaliene, Senior Project Manager at CPVA.
Why this matters for Ukraine
The need for rehabilitation in Ukraine is enormous. In 2024, the Ministry of Health reported that since the beginning of the year, over 366,000 people received rehabilitation services. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as millions of Ukrainians are entitled to veteran status.
Currently, over 1.2 million veterans need support, and this number grows daily. The Ministry of Veterans Affairs predicts that after the war, the number could reach 5–6 million people with their families. All will require medical, physical, and psychological help.
That is why Lithuania’s investment in rehabilitation infrastructure is so significant — not just funding, but a strategic contribution to the health and future of millions.
Knowledge that changes lives
Within the program, five training sessions have already prepared over 30 Ukrainian specialists — physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation doctors, and nurses. “Some Ukrainian specialists are already leaders in post-amputation recovery. This is an opportunity to learn from each other. We often form mixed Lithuanian-Ukrainian teams,“explains Varkaliene.
Dr. Vaidas Stalioraitis, a manual therapy specialist, adds: “About twenty Ukrainians participated in my training. I felt their gratitude and desire to learn. This gives confidence they will use the knowledge to help wounded soldiers.”
Among the methods mastered is the Mulligan Concept, a mobilisation with movement technique that allows patients to work on their condition independently. It is simple, painless, requires no equipment, and speeds up recovery.
Training and cooperation
Training has already taken place in Lviv and Lithuania with specialists from Lviv, Dnipro, and Zhytomyr. Topics cover rehabilitation after brain and spinal injuries, burns, and mine-explosive trauma. Lithuanian experts transfer knowledge systematically, while Ukrainians share unique war-time experience.
Ukrainian medics also visit Lithuanian clinics to learn European practices. These trips are a symbol of trust and mutual support.
Dr. Jūratė Kesienė from Vilnius University Hospital Santaras Clinics, who joined two trainings, says: “The biggest lesson for me was personal. My team and I worked with a wounded Ukrainian and helped him regain independence and return home. We still keep in touch with his family. This connection is stronger than fear of working in war conditions and gives true meaning to our profession.”
The program will continue in Ukraine and Lithuania until 2027. It is a long journey, but worth every step — because it is about the most valuable thing Ukraine has — its people.
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