Ukrainian Defenders Eye Entrepreneurship After the War

As Ukraine's conflict continues, many of its defenders are envisioning a post-war career as entrepreneurs. According to a poll cited by Serhii Pozniak, head of the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs, a staggering 64% of Ukrainian defenders plan to open their own businesses after the war. This shift towards entrepreneurship is driven by the skills and independence gained during wartime, as Pozniak noted that at the front, individuals quickly develop the ability to make decisions and take responsibility for their lives and the lives of their fellow soldiers.

Key Takeaways:

• 64% of Ukrainian defenders plan to become entrepreneurs after the war, according to a poll by the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs.
• The skills acquired during wartime, such as decision-making and responsibility, make veterans well-suited for entrepreneurship.
• Approximately 13% of all servicemen at the front are already entrepreneurs, and this number could rise to 650,000 after the war, according to estimates by the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.
• The Ministry of Veterans forecasts that 5-6 million combatants will be available for civilian life after the war, which could translate to at least 1.3 million people being settled in civilian employment.
• The Law of Ukraine 'On Veteran Entrepreneurship', signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in late August 2025, aims to promote entrepreneurship among veterans and their families.
• If veterans are provided with access to financial resources, they could potentially add 1% to GDP.

Statistics:

• 64% of Ukrainian defenders plan to become entrepreneurs after the war (poll by the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs).
• 13% of all servicemen at the front are already entrepreneurs (Ukrainian Veterans Foundation survey).
• 650,000 veterans could become entrepreneurs after the war (based on 15% of 5 million combatants).
• At least 1.3 million people could be settled in civilian employment after the war (based on 13% of 5 million veterans).
• 5-6 million combatants are forecast to be available for civilian life after the war (Ministry of Veterans estimate).
• 1% of GDP could be added by veterans if they are provided with access to financial resources.

Sources:

• Serhii Pozniak, head of the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs (Ukrinform interview).
• Ukrainian Veterans Foundation (poll cited by Pozniak).
• Ministry of Veterans (forecast cited by Pozniak).
• Law of Ukraine 'On Veteran Entrepreneurship' (signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in late August 2025).