Ukrainian Action Signs MoU with Transcarpathia Regional Military Administration to Expand Veteran Rehabilitation Program
30 Jul 2025
UA launched the Ukrainian Action Heroes program in Transcarpathia in February 2024 for Ukrainian veterans and their families
The program teaches veterans to ski in the serenity of the Carpathian Mountains while providing comprehensive physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation
Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration will engage local communities and promote the rehabilitation program among veterans and the public
Uzhhorod – July 30, 2025 – Ukrainian Action (UA) and the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration (the Zakarpattia Administration) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in the rehabilitation and support of war veterans and their families. The agreement was signed by Jeffrey Hartman, Co-founder & CEO of Ukrainian Action, and Myroslav Biletskyi, Head of Zakarpattia Regional State Administration and Chief of the Regional Military Administration.
The MoU builds on productive partnerships between UA, the Zakarpattia Administration, and the Transcarpathia Department of Tourism and Resorts, which facilitate the rehabilitation of war veterans through the "Ukrainian Action Heroes" rehabilitation program.
UA launched the pioneering Ukrainian Action Heroes rehabilitation program for Ukrainian veterans and families at Dragobrat, the highest ski resort in Transcarpathia in February 2024. The program teaches veterans to ski and snowboard or enjoy summer mountain hiking with their families in the serenity of the Carpathian Mountains, while receiving holistic support. The veterans’ care has psychological, physical, social, somatic, and recreational components, all delivered in a secure environment by highly qualified professionals. The program will continue its fourth season in August 2025.
Myroslav Biletskyi said: “Our goal is to join forces for the rehabilitation of military personnel… I am grateful to the head of the Ukrainian Action organization, Jeffrey Hartman, for his active position and support for veterans on their path to recovery after returning from the battlefield. The experience of other countries and the opportunity to apply best practices for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian military personnel are very valuable to us.”
The MoU confirms that both parties “aim to improve the quality of rehabilitation services, incorporate advanced international practices in the field of psychological and physical rehabilitation of veterans, and implement innovative methods of veteran support.”
Jeffrey Hartman commented: “The Zakarpattia Region is an amazing location for our veterans’ rehabilitation program and the administration has been incredibly supportive of our activities. We look forward to increasing our collaboration to enhance our joint efforts to support Ukrainian veterans through our UA Heroes program and other initiatives.”
The Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration will facilitate the organization of activities within the region, engage with local communities, promote the rehabilitation program among the public, and recommend locations, facilities, and war veterans for participation in the program.
Both parties envision strengthening international partnerships and promoting Zakarpattia region to support and develop other rehabilitation, tourism, and economic initiatives in the region. UA signed an earlier MoU with Transcarpathia’s Department of Tourism & Resorts on February 3, 2025, to strengthen cooperation in rehabilitation activities and to develop tourism and rehabilitation initiatives in the region.
Biletskyi added that: “New contacts, deepening international partnerships in the field of supporting military personnel and war veterans are an integral element of our daily work. And today we have taken another step in this direction.” The MoU is “a logical continuation of the corresponding agreement [of UA] with the Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Regional Military Administration.”
About Ukrainian Action
Ukrainian Action is a volunteer-run, US non-profit and UK charity dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine, through providing humanitarian aid, medical support, and veteran rehabilitation. Since 2022 the organization has delivered critical supplies and support to front-line and liberated regions, with a special focus on supporting the psychological and physical recovery of war veterans.
UA regularly drives and donates vehicles filled with humanitarian and medical supplies to Ukraine, and supports local reconstruction and healthcare projects.
Ukrainian Action Heroes is a pioneering rehabilitation program welcoming injured Ukrainian veterans to the Carpathian mountains to learn to ski, snowboard and participate in other outdoor mountain sports and activities, while receiving psychological support in the serenity of the mountains. The program includes ski instruction, travel, room and board, daily access to experienced and qualified psychologists, group therapy, wellness, and mindfulness activities.
The goal of the program is to help Ukraine’s heroes recover from the trauma of active warfare, provide tools to deal with PTSD, and introduce new activities in a place of refuge and solace. In March 2025, the program was expanded to offer adaptive skiing for veterans with amputations. UA’s winter and summer programs have supported over 80 participants since February 2024.
Media Contact:
Jeffrey Hartman
