Raiffeisen Bank joined the III Veterans Reintegration Conference 2026 and the evaluation of veteran business accelerator projects
On April 22, the III Veterans Reintegration Conference took place in Kyiv, organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the EBRD, and Korn Ferry.
The event brought together representatives of the government, the EU, international financial institutions, the banking sector, business, and the veteran community to discuss systemic solutions for veterans’ reintegration.
Raiffeisen Bank was represented by Ruslan Spivak, Director of Financial Institutions, Investment Banking and Corporate Strategy at Raiffeisen Bank, Yuliia Chemeryska, Inclusion Officer at Raiffeisen Bank, Nataliia Kryzhanivska, Veteran Officer at Raiffeisen Bank, as well as the Financial Institutions team.
As part of the conference, the first Veteran Business Accelerator took place, where veteran-led businesses presented their investment projects in a pitching format. Ruslan Spivak served as a jury member, evaluating projects alongside representatives of leading banks and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
The discussions focused on adapting veteran policy to new realities, integrating veterans into the economy, and developing tools for their professional development. Particular attention was paid to financial inclusion.
“Veteran business is a new economic class that is already creating added value and will shape the country’s recovery. The key task of the financial system is not only to support this segment but to scale it through access to capital, standardised approaches, and dedicated financial instruments. This is what Raiffeisen Bank is working on together with the regulator, the banking community, and international partners,” said Ruslan Spivak.
Following the pitching session, winners were selected and the launch of the second cohort of the Veteran Business Accelerator was announced.
For Raiffeisen Bank, the veteran focus is part of a broader approach to financial inclusion. The Bank works with veterans as clients, employees, and entrepreneurs, focusing on accessible services, clear financial solutions, and respectful communication. Raiffeisen Bank is already implementing practical solutions: supporting mobilized employees and veterans within the team, developing the role of Veteran Officer, offering the “Vdyachnist” (Gratitude) card, expanding inclusive services, and supporting veteran businesses through partnership programs.
“Veterans’ reintegration reflects a new reality in which Ukraine is a country of veterans. It is about restoring control over one’s life — through access to employment, financing, and accessible services. This is where we focus our efforts, developing our solutions and partnerships,” commented Yuliia Chemeryska.
