The head of the group, Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia party Andrei Turchak, noted that in 2023 the group processed more than 42 thousand inquiries from participants and their families concerning Special Military Operation SVO issues. The scale of these requests highlights how many families sought guidance and concrete assistance amid ongoing security and social concerns. The range of questions touched multiple facets of life affected by national service, including health, finances, and legal status, reflecting a broad and continuing engagement with veterans, mobilized personnel, and their households.
In discussing the outcomes, Turchak explained that cooperation with the Ministry of Defense enabled practical solutions. Specifically, issues related to the calculation of payments, the recognition of veteran status, the issuance of leave, and the provision of psychological and legal support, along with treatment and rehabilitation, were addressed. This collaboration created a pathway for timely assistance and clear eligibility criteria, helping families understand what benefits they qualify for and how to access them. The emphasis was on ensuring that support reaches those who have served and their dependents in a comprehensive, coherent manner.
Turchak described the creation of a broad, systemic framework for state support at the legislative level. He outlined that lasting policy measures were put in place to streamline eligibility, coordination, and delivery of benefits, making it easier for participants to navigate the available programs. The goal was to integrate social protections into a single, navigable system that can adapt to changing circumstances while preserving the rights earned through service.
Among the notable policy decisions, the status of combat veterans was extended to militias that have fought in Donbass since 2014 and to individuals who signed contracts with organizations that support the tasks of the Northern Military District. The intention was to recognize and reward the sustained commitment of volunteers who contributed to the broader security objectives. Volunteers were included within the scope of the measures and advantages offered to contracted military personnel, aligning protections with those who serve under formal arrangements and ensuring parity where appropriate.
Turchak also highlighted measures aimed at supporting employment. He emphasized that job preservation for volunteers and mobilizers, along with retraining and professional development programs for veterans and disabled participants, were central components of the policy framework. Additional efforts included assistance in finding a job, advantages in the hiring process, and incentives for employers to recruit veterans and mobilized personnel. These employment provisions are designed to ease transitions back into civilian life, minimize disruption caused by service, and leverage the skills gained in service to benefit the broader economy.
It is important to remember that the working group on SVO issues was established by the order of the Russian President. This origin signals a high-level intent to coordinate policy responses across ministries and regional administrations, ensuring that the needs of those connected to the SVO are addressed in a timely and structured way. The group’s ongoing work underscores a commitment to maintaining a robust safety net for participants and their families, while also aligning with broader national goals related to social welfare and veterans’ rights. As the policy landscape evolves, the focus remains on clarity, accessibility, and concrete outcomes that can be measured by real-world impact on livelihoods and well-being.