«You’re partly right, but since 2022 I’ve been living through the war», Kim replied to criticism of his appointment to the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs

Protest in Mykolaiv, 23 July 2026. Photo: Suspilne Mykolaiv, Nazarii Rubanyak

Vitalii Kim, former head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration and now Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, addressed the Ukrainian people following his appointment. He stated that he understood the criticism and doubts surrounding his move to the new post, but had consciously agreed to take on this responsibility.

Vitalii Kim announced this in a video message posted on his Facebook page.

According to him, his life has changed radically since the start of the full-scale war, which is why he decided to work where he can be of the greatest use.

«I see and hear what is happening. I understand, and in part you are right. But since 2022, my life has been defined by the war. A great deal has changed in my life – radically. I decided for myself that I would be useful here, and, fully aware of the responsibility involved, I made this decision,» said Vitalii Kim.

The new minister reported that, in his very first week in office, he had already received dozens of proposals for improving government programmes and had familiarised himself with the issues raised by veterans. He emphasised that he would continue to engage with the veteran community and the military in order to develop systematic solutions.

Protest in Kyiv, 23 July 2026. Photo: Yana Sirak, hromadske

Vitalii Kim also appealed to Ukrainians for their support. He said he had set himself the task of implementing the planned changes within a year and delivering results that would make a tangible difference to veterans.

«That is why I am, in fact, asking for your support. I have set myself a year to implement what I have planned and to deliver the results our veterans need,» he said.

Vitalii Kim added that he would present his plans in the near future and would work alongside the government to secure additional budgetary funding to implement them.

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It should be noted that following Vitalii Kim’s appointment as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, some members of the veterans’ community and civil society activists criticised the decision. They argued that the relevant ministry should be headed by a veteran or someone with experience in the field of veterans’ policy.

Prior to his appointment, Vitalii Kim had headed the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration since November 2020, and following his move to his new post, Heorhii Reshetilov became acting head of the Regional Military Administration.

Following his move to his new post, Vitalii Kim also stated that he would continue to defend the interests of the Mykolaiv region during the allocation of state budget funds. According to him, projects already underway will continue, and support for the region is set to increase.