NGO “Zemliachky” presented WISPR — the Institute of War Psychology at the Parkovy Congress and Exhibition Center on 26 May. This new institution, founded at the crossroads of science, lived experience and action, aims to build a systematic model of psychological support during wartime and in the post‑war period.
“Our goal is to prepare specialists who truly understand what a person feels before battle, during combat, after combat, after being wounded, and after returning home.”
The first step for WISPR has been to design and launch an up‑skilling program for psychologists who will work with service members and veterans. The program was created by leading scholars, clinical practitioners, and military psychologists — Maksym Baidа, Viktoriya Vintonyak, Kseniia Dubyсh, Marianna Markova, and Marta Pyvovarenko.
Project lead: Hanna Havrysh (Oliinyk)
During the event, a panel discussion was held in the Convention and Concert Hall, moderated by Forbes Ukraine special‑projects editor Kateryna Shapoval, on the topic “Psychological support as part of the recovery strategy for service members.”
WISPR’s three strategic focus areas:
- Supporting service members and veterans who have already experienced trauma
- Assisting civilians and military families living amid the war right now
- Building mental resilience among children and youth who are growing up under these conditions
The Institute of War Psychology was launched on the initiative of NGO “Zemliachky” with the support of state institutions, civil society, business, the military, and the media. The project is backed by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR), the State Protection Directorate of Ukraine (UDO), and the Land Forces Command.
“We believe mental health is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a country’s defense capability, recovery, and strength.” — Kseniia Draganuk
The event was supported by partners such as the Parkovy Convention and Exhibition Center and Parkovy Catering, among others. We are immensely grateful for what you do and for choosing to be here.
Thank you!
A video of the project presentation is available via the link.