Bureaucracy is more important than health: why Ukrainian soldiers cannot come to the USA for treatment for 2 years

For almost 2 years, 10 Ukrainian soldiers cannot fly for treatment in the United States. The American authorities say that for their part they have done everything necessary, now it is Ukraine’s turn to make their move. It is reported Voice of America.

Фото: Depositphotos

There are two ways for Ukrainian soldiers to get treatment in the United States: the first is with the help of volunteers, the second is through the Ukrainian Wounded Warrior state program. But there are certain problems with the program. In 2015, at her expense, Ukrainian military personnel were already treated in America; this time soldiers were already selected to participate in the program, but they cannot fly out yet.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Valery Chaly says that in order to rectify the current situation, Ukrainian legislation needs to be changed.

“The only problem, and I don’t think it’s a problem, is our domestic legislation, which does not allow the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to finance so-called non-medical expenses. This includes escorts, people who will bring them. These costs need to be covered by Ukraine,” says Chaly.

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Roman Fontana is an American of Ukrainian descent, he once fought in Iraq, and now a member of the organization of Ukrainian American veterans, he is one of those involved in the program "Ukrainian wounded warrior" in the United States. He says that this program restores soldiers not only physically.

“Previous programs have included triple-amputee soldiers and the way they have recovered has been amazing. They used the knowledge acquired here in Ukraine very effectively. This program is much more than just treating soldiers,” says Roman Fontana.

The American congressmen joined the solution to the problem, they are preparing a written appeal to the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to influence the situation.

Thanks to the support of American lawmakers, it was already possible to obtain US funding for non-medical expenses for Ukrainian soldiers for the 2020 year, but on one condition - in the 2019 year, Ukraine should pay for them. If they do not, then the chance will be lost.

“If we lose this program, it will be a bad sign for Congress itself, which passed the bill with the support of congressmen who are worried about Ukraine. This is a matter of bilateral relations, and not just a matter of treatment,” Chaly said.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said that spending on non-medical expenses is not provided for by law.

“I don’t believe that our bureaucratic barriers should stand in the way of treating our soldiers. They must come to the USA. To do this, you don’t need to look for explanations, you need to find solutions. And such a solution must be found in Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States commented on this situation.

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A representative of Ukrainian American veterans hopes that after Zelensky’s visit to the United States, the situation will change for the better.

“We would like to attract attention, given that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky is expected soon. It is important to voice this issue so that both presidents will consider it when they meet,” Fontana said.

The United States believes that in order to move the situation off the ground, both sides should take a step towards each other.

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