Recovery process should be accompanied by mental health services
Vladyslav Shelokov, President of the Angels for Ukraine Foundation, joined government officials, international donors, and civil society leaders at the Vidbudova v Dii 3.0 (Recovery in Action 3.0) Forum held in Kyiv on February 19, 2025. The event focused on Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction efforts and the coordination of humanitarian aid amid continuing challenges.
In his address to the attendees, Shelokov emphasized the critical role of non-governmental organizations in bridging gaps between international assistance and local communities’ needs.
“The path to rebuilding Ukraine requires not just financial resources but strategic coordination between government initiatives and grassroots efforts,” Shelokov stated during the panel discussion on sustainable reconstruction models. “At Angels for Ukraine, we’ve witnessed firsthand how community-based approaches can accelerate recovery and ensure aid reaches those most vulnerable.”
The Angels for Ukraine Foundation, established in the early phase of the conflict, has been instrumental in delivering humanitarian assistance to frontline communities and supporting internally displaced persons across the country.
Shelokov presented the foundation’s latest initiatives and invited representatives of local communities to cooperate in mobilizing resources abroad to foster recovery and improve the resiliency on the ground.
Vidbudova v Dii 3.0, the second iteration of Ukraine’s premier reconstruction forum, brought together over 500 participants. Key themes included infrastructure restoration, housing solutions for displaced populations, and the integration of sustainability principles in rebuilding efforts.
During a panel discussion with representatives from other non-profit organizations, Shelokov advocated for an increased focus on psychological support services as a fundamental component of reconstruction efforts.
“Physical infrastructure is essential, but rebuilding lives requires addressing trauma and providing pathways to resilience,” he noted. “We must integrate mental health services into every aspect of our reconstruction planning.”
The Vidbudova v Dii 3.0 is expected to result in several new international partnerships and funding commitments to support Ukraine’s ongoing reconstruction efforts throughout 2025 and beyond.
