Since the start of the war, over 4,000 employees of mines and other coal companies owned by DTEK Energy have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend their country. During the full-scale invasion, 226 veterans of the russian-Ukrainian war returned to work at the company's coal enterprises after being demobilised due to deteriorating health or family circumstances. Another 86 found employment for the first time.
An extensive support network has been created for defenders and veterans at the company's coal enterprises. It promotes the restoration and development of professional skills. Veterans have the opportunity to improve their health during the first two years after demobilisation thanks to the special medical insurance programme ‘Veteran+’. They also have the opportunity to obtain a new occupation and a job at the enterprise if they do not wish to or are unable to work in their previous profession. After returning to work, many veteran employees took advantage of the opportunity to consult with specialised lawyers and psychologists, as well as participate in sports and rehabilitation activities organised by the company. The needs of veterans, defenders and their families at DTEK Energy's coal enterprises are taken care of by specialised professionals. These are assistants to the defenders who themselves have military experience and experience of reintegration into civilian life.
Due to military operations, many veterans and civilians have acquired disabilities, which is why DTEK Energy continues to work on creating an inclusive environment at its enterprises. Audits have already been conducted at 18 of the company's enterprises, and plans have been prepared to adapt and equip them with an inclusive environment. One of the mines in the Western Donbas – the first among similar industrial enterprises in Ukraine – has already created an inclusive environment for veterans with disabilities. To this end, handrails, adapted toilets and showers have been installed in designated areas of the enterprise, and convenient signs, contrasting strips in areas requiring increased attention, and other facilities have been installed.
"In addition, to promote the employment of veterans with disabilities who went to defend the country and want to return to work after demobilisation, we are completing the creation of a universal tool – a register of inclusive jobs. This will enable us to select jobs for them that take into account their physical characteristics and needs. This will expand employment and professional development opportunities for veterans with disabilities. Currently, more than 40 veterans with disabilities are already working at the company's coal enterprises. We strive to be among the first large industrial companies in Ukraine to systematically create an inclusive environment, first and foremost for our employees returning from the front," said DTEK Energy CEO Oleksandr Fomenko.