Russia's State Council proposes alterations aimed at acclimating ex-military personnel to civilian existence.
Russia has taken significant steps to support veterans of the Special Military Operation (SMO), particularly those who have been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
On July 8, 2025, a meeting was held by the State Council Commission on Supporting Veterans of Combat Operations, with Alexei Dumin, assistant to the President of Russia and secretary of the State Council, leading the discussion. Dumin emphasized the importance of special operation veterans receiving a full range of necessary medical services, including mental health care, and decent employment opportunities.
One of the key initiatives is the work of the Social Fund of Russia, which operates 12 rehabilitation centers across various regions. In 2025, the Social Fund received 3 billion rubles for its rehabilitation efforts. The Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation also provides veterans with disabilities from the SMO with rehabilitation equipment, supplementary payments, and adaptations to living spaces and vehicles.
Addressing the psychological rehabilitation and reintegration of these veterans is another priority. Almost 140,000 Russian soldiers have returned to civilian life, requiring support in job training programs, financial incentives for employers to hire veterans, and assistance in finding decent jobs to maintain household income. While specific PTSD programs are not detailed, the overall focus on psychological support through rehabilitation centers and reintegration efforts implies an indirect approach to addressing PTSD.
However, the government has noted a rise in violent crimes involving returning veterans, highlighting the urgency of effective reintegration and psychological support. Efforts are ongoing to ensure continuous rehabilitation and to draft legislation that secures funding for these programs.
Dumin also suggested creating a system that includes the diagnosis of mental health and subsequent rehabilitation for veterans. The commission, chaired by Babushkin, Governor of the Astrakhan region, aims to increase the level of interaction between government agencies, the "Patriots of Russia" Fund, and other structures to achieve these goals. The commission's goal is to propose solutions to the President of Russia, the government, and the legislative authorities.
Volunteers may have the opportunity to receive treatment in military hospitals, although more detailed information about this aspect is not currently available. While these initiatives aim to support veterans physically and psychologically, specific programs focused solely on PTSD are not explicitly outlined in the current reports. Nonetheless, the focus on psychological support and reintegration efforts suggests a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these veterans.
- In the realm of health and wellness, mental health care for veterans of the Special Military Operation (SMO) is being prioritized, alongside initiatives that support their employment opportunities, as part of broader workplace-wellness measures.
- Beyond medical services, the focus on mental health care is crucial, given the high number of soldiers returning from combat who require support, particularly in job training programs and assistance in finding decent employment to maintain household income.
- Mental health care for veterans is indirectly addressed through rehabilitation centers and reintegration efforts, although specific programs targeting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not explicitly detailed.
- To further support veterans' mental health, there are plans to establish a system that includes diagnosis of mental health issues and subsequent rehabilitation, with collaboration between various government agencies, organizations like the "Patriots of Russia" Fund, and the creation of a commission aimed at finding solutions for PTSD and other challenges these veterans face.
