The Suspilne team focuses on the reintegration of veterans through professional adaptation, psychological support, and assistance in the social sphere.
We create a space where every veteran can feel respect for their experience and receive the support needed to integrate into civilian life.
In our company, veterans are an important part of the team, and we are gradually working on creating conditions for their adaptation and support. We understand that the transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, so we plan to implement programs that will help veterans find their place within the company. Currently, we are developing internal initiatives to provide the necessary support for veterans and ensure their smooth integration into the work environment.
We believe that each veteran brings unique experience to the company, and although we are only beginning to implement concrete steps in this area, we are confident that in the future we will be able to provide our colleagues with all the necessary conditions for development. We are working on special training programs, career support, and communication initiatives so that every employee feels part of our large and diverse team.
Yehor Protopopov: From War to a New Profession
Yehor Protopopov
Video Editor, Suspilne Lviv
Before the war, Yehor Protopopov was an entrepreneur and owned a shoe store. On February 24, 2022, his life changed forever. That morning he woke up in his house near the Antonivskyi Bridge and witnessed a Russian landing operation near the bridge. The occupation began, and his family had to leave their home, to which they never returned.
Two months of life under occupation ended with evacuation to Lviv, and the next day Yehor joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was assigned to the 56th Mariupol Brigade, defending positions in the village of Pisky. There, he sustained severe injuries — shrapnel broke both of his legs. After complex treatment and long rehabilitation, he began a new stage of his life.
“I really wanted to go to work, to feel like a normal person. I dreamed of waking up in the morning, making coffee, going to work, and stopping by the store afterward — like before the war,” Yehor recalls.
Working at Suspilne became not only a new profession but also part of his rehabilitation. Yehor joined the Suspilne Lviv team as a video editor and quickly adapted to the new conditions. Colleagues supported him in every matter, and the workplace was made accessible — for example, with a ramp and the possibility to drive directly to the entrance.
“I am very grateful to my colleagues for their support. Even when I was offered to work remotely, I chose to come to the office. I want to overcome difficulties and be part of the team,” Yehor says.
He encourages other veterans not to fear adaptation: “Don’t isolate yourself, don’t look for escape in alcohol. Returning to normal life is like learning to walk again. Don’t be afraid to fall because without it you won’t rise and move forward.”
Yehor found in Suspilne values that resonate with his military experience — teamwork, responsibility, and the importance of a common cause. He knows that his work matters, and this motivates him to move forward.
Volodymyr Omelchenko: “Suspilne showed understanding, support, and gave me time to catch my breath»
Volodymyr Omelchenko
Diversity Specialist, Department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities
Volodymyr Omelchenko joined Suspilne in August 2024 after demobilization. He now works as a diversity specialist in the Department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities. His main task is creating documentaries and social projects covering the lives of national minorities, vulnerable groups, veterans, the LGBTQI+ community, and more. He participates in all stages of projects — from idea to editing.
Before the war, Volodymyr worked as a director and screenwriter. When the war began in 2014, he joined the military. He returned to service in February 2022 until June 2024, fighting with the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He participated in combat operations in Mykolaiv, Kherson, the Kinburn Spit, near Bakhmut, and in the Kharkiv operation.
“On February 24, 2022, I packed my things, and my father took me to the unit. As a reservist, I received a weapon — and my war began,” he recalls.
Post-war adaptation was challenging, but support from Suspilne played a key role. “Suspilne showed understanding, support, and gave me time to catch my breath,” he says. The company considered his circumstances and allowed him to work remotely from Odesa, providing comfortable working conditions.
His military experience helped him in work, fostering resilience and discipline. He values tolerance and attention to people most at Suspilne: “They gave me a chance to recover after service. This is important.”
Volodymyr advises veterans wishing to join Suspilne to have a willingness to learn and be ready for continuous development: “If a person is ready to learn, the company will adjust and help them adapt.”
Mykhailo Stetsenko: From Border Service to Supporting Journalists at the Front
Mykhailo Stetsenko
Driver, Suspilne Novyny
Mykhailo Stetsenko joined Suspilne after serving in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. His path to working in the team began through a veterans’ organization assisting military personnel in adapting to civilian life. He now works as a news driver and assistant to a war correspondent, accompanying journalists in conflict zones.
Before February 24, 2022, Mykhailo served under contract in the first border detachment. With the full-scale war, he remained in the unit, becoming a senior sergeant of the border post. He was wounded during combat and received treatment in Dnipro.
Returning to civilian life, he found work at Suspilne. He notes that the atmosphere respects veterans and colleagues are ready to support them in any matters. Assistance was provided for legal issues and adaptation to the new environment.
“When I first arrived, they immediately helped me with documents. There is no biased attitude toward veterans in the team, and if issues arise, they are resolved quickly,” he says.
Work at Suspilne allows him not only to realize himself but also to help tell truthful stories from the front. His military experience helps him communicate with soldiers, organize trips, and understand the specifics of journalists’ work in hot zones.
“In war, you either tell the truth or it’s worthless. In journalism, it’s the same — if you’re not honest, you’re not a journalist,” Mykhailo insists.
He encourages veterans seeking a new path after service not to fear trying themselves in new fields: “If you are interested in working in media, there is a place for you here. You can learn new skills and find a team that will support you.”
Regarding values connecting military and journalistic experience, Mykhailo states simply: truthfulness, responsibility, honesty. These principles, in his view, make Suspilne a special place for veterans.
Oleh Kruglyak-Rumyantsev: From Service to Supporting Veterans at Suspilne
Oleh Kruglyak-Rumyantsev
Veterans Program Manager, Suspilne
Oleh Kruglyak-Rumyantsev first joined Suspilne at the end of 2022 as a camera operator. Previously, he experienced the occupation in Bucha, underwent rehabilitation, and sought opportunities for a new start. He moved to Odesa, where he realized that Suspilne offered a space to work and be useful.
His path to the army began on February 24, 2023. After completing a junior soldier course, he was assigned to the 225th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of the Air Defense Forces, working in the Morale and Psychological Support Department. There he collaborated with military psychologists, conducted testing, supported morale, and monitored his comrades’ well-being.
Returning to civilian life, Oleh rejoined Suspilne and worked with archives at Suspilne Mediateka, later becoming Veterans Program Manager. For him, it is not just work but an opportunity to implement initiatives that help veterans integrate into new realities.
“Suspilne is a place where you can realize the principle of ‘protecting the word.’ It’s about trust, mission, and being part of change,” he says.
He emphasizes creating a space where veterans feel comfortable, including communication, understanding from colleagues, leadership support, and initiatives like training and meetings. “It’s important to celebrate even small achievements because transforming corporate culture, especially in veteran reintegration, is a marathon, not a sprint. Every small step matters,” Oleh stresses.
Thanks to his military experience, he adapts easily to challenges, thinks strategically, and understands the value of a team. Oleh is confident that veterans can offer a lot to employers, especially where responsibility, resilience, and desire for change are valued.
“If truthfulness, responsibility, and impact on society matter to you, Suspilne is the right choice. Here your experience is valued, and your opinion counts,” he tells those considering joining the broadcaster.
Anzhela Yarmolyuk — Veteran, Journalist, Voice of Truth
Anzhela Yarmolyuk
Veteran, Journalist, Voice of Truth, Ukrainske Radio
Anzhela Yarmolyuk’s path to Suspilne was driven by a desire to work in a field with an important mission for society. Today she creates content highlighting key topics for the country and its citizens.
Before returning to journalism, Anzhela served in the military. Her sense of duty to the country led her to service, which became an important stage in her life. “This period helped me understand the value of teamwork, resilience, and the ability to overcome difficulties,” she recalls.
Returning to civilian life, she realized the importance of working in a team that serves the public good. “Suspilne is not just a workplace for me, but a space where I can use my experience to create meaningful content and support important initiatives,” she shares.
Support from colleagues and the atmosphere of understanding at Suspilne are especially important to her. She emphasizes that veteran adaptation requires attention and joint effort. At the same time, she notes that basic military skills — tactical medicine, shooting, first aid — are extremely important for every citizen. “These skills can save lives,” she says.
Anzhela believes that working at Suspilne helps veterans maintain a sense of mission. Their experience, values, and skills become essential tools in creating quality content and supporting society. “It’s a place where your experience will be valued, and your voice will be heard,” she tells those considering joining the team.
The values of transparency, honesty, and responsibility, which underpin Suspilne’s work, resonate with Anzhela’s military experience. She knows that success is not only about quick results but also about persistent effort, requiring resilience and belief in a shared goal.