Victor and Olena Pinchuk Launch RETURNING: A Nationwide Network of Mental Health Centers for Ukrainian Veterans and Their Families

Victor and Olena Pinchuk have announced the launch of RETURNING, a groundbreaking national initiative to support the mental health of Ukraine’s military personnel, veterans, and their families who have suffered psychological trauma due to Russian aggression. The RETURNING project aims not only to provide access to professional mental health services but also to build a systemic support network for those who have endured the most harrowing experiences of war.

The project focuses on two main pillars:

• The creation of a nationwide network of RETURNING mental health centers, where service members, veterans, and their families will receive free, professional mental health care.

• The development and implementation of world-class educational programs for mental health professionals—including psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists—to ensure the highest standards of treatment and care.
  
  

In its initial phase, the project will establish at least 25 mental health centers across all regions of Ukraine. These centers will operate on the basis of public healthcare institutions and provide free outpatient services. The first RETURNING center is set to open in Dnipro in early 2025.

The goal of RETURNING is not only to help individuals heal but to contribute to the long-term development of Ukraine’s mental healthcare sector. A key focus will be on education and training, recognizing that highly qualified professionals are essential to successful recovery. In collaboration with leading Ukrainian and international experts, specialized training programs will be developed to equip mental health professionals with the tools to support those affected by the trauma of war.

Project founder, businessman and philanthropist Victor Pinchuk, stated:

"The wounds of war are often invisible, but their impact on people’s lives is enormous. Every Ukrainian carries immense psychological weight. But of course, the heaviest burden falls on those at the front lines—those who risk their lives daily, who lose comrades. This project is for them—for their healing and return to full lives. I believe in its success. I believe in the professionalism of our specialists and in the resilience of our heroes. Even those who’ve lost limbs can stand tall—because true strength is born in the mind. Mental resilience and belief in oneself are what help us overcome the toughest challenges."

Project co-founder Olena Pinchuk added:

"The longer this war continues, the more serious the mental health challenges become for those living through its daily hardships. The human psyche has limits. Mental health is just as important and complex as physical health, and it must be treated with the same care and respect. It is essential that real professionals are involved in addressing these issues. That is why we are creating this national network—so that in every RETURNING center, our heroes will feel the care of top-level specialists."

RETURNING builds on the success of RECOVERY, the national rehabilitation network launched by Victor and Olena Pinchuk in early 2023 to serve wounded Ukrainian soldiers. To date, 15 state-of-the-art, accessible rehabilitation centers have been opened, providing free, high-quality care to more than 20,000 injured service members. In addition, more than 3,000 healthcare professionals have completed internships and international exchange programs in the United States, Austria, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Switzerland, and Norway.

Back to the list