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François Picard is pleased to welcome Vitalii Kim, Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. Yet behind this assertion of national resolve lies a more complex reality: a country confronting not only the immediate pressures of war, but also its mounting psychological, social and institutional consequences. Speaking to FRANCE 24 during a visit to Paris for discussions with French defence officials, Kim describes a conflict increasingly defined by attrition.
In the southern city of Kherson, civilians face relentless bombardment and attacks by inexpensive, short-range drones, while repeated Russian strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure are taking a cumulative toll. The interview also highlights the formidable challenge of reintegrating Ukraine's growing veteran population. With an estimated 1.5 million veterans already requiring support and projections of substantially higher numbers in the coming years, Kim outlines plans to simplify administrative procedures, expand mental healthcare and draw on French expertise.
The implications extend beyond individual rehabilitation to the future capacity of the Ukrainian state to meet the needs of a society profoundly transformed by war. Against the backdrop of uncertainty over a €90 billion European aid package and renewed diplomatic speculation surrounding Donald Trump's efforts to bring the Russian and Ukrainian presidents together, Kim remains unequivocal about Ukraine's commitment to its own defence. Asked about the prospect of presidential talks, however, he offers a notably restrained response: “I have no reaction.
I have only my job to do.” His remarks reveal the central paradox of Ukraine's prolonged resistance: a determination to continue fighting, even as the human and material resources required to sustain that resistance come under growing strain. 'Witkoff should step down,' says Ukraine foreign policy committee chief Protests in Europe: Fact-checking viral videos amid claims of 'chaos' Israeli election seen as a referendum: For or against Netanyahu? Macklemore holds charity stadium shows to raise funds for Palestine 'An everyday habit': 2.5 billion lines of cocaine snorted in England per year Comeback kid: How did Brazil's veteran leader Lula upset Bolsonaro? © 2026 Copyright France 24 - All rights reserved. France 24 is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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