Zhytomyr Regional State Administration launches a public services portal and new digital services for veterans in collaboration with Estonia

Ukraine’s defenders returning to civilian life face unique challenges, including health and psychological recovery, employment and reintegration into society. Ensuring they can access municipal and social services quickly, efficiently and with dignity is key to national resilience and social stability. Digital solutions can dramatically reduce barriers, allowing veterans to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities without bureaucratic burdens. 

The Zhytomyr Region Local Public Services Portal is a tool that simplifies access to services for veterans in the Zhytomyr Region and allows them to receive services faster, more conveniently and without unnecessary bureaucracy. The portal provides access to information on available services and makes it easier to submit requests online, all with a user-friendly interface. 

“Our task is to ensure that every veteran can receive the necessary support quickly, clearly and without unnecessary barriers. It is precisely such solutions at the community level that shape a new quality of public services and trust in them,” said Kostyantyn Lopushanskyi, the chief digital transformation officer for the Zhytomyr Region. 

The portal is currently being piloted in the communities of Korostyshiv, Zhytomyr and Zviahel. Estonian experts worked closely with local authorities in these municipalities to ensure services are tailored to veterans’ real needs. 

“Digitalisation of regional services is essential for driving national progress,” said Andres Ääremaa, programme manager for Cybersecurity and E-governance at ESTDEV. “Providing digital services to veterans is not only a technical improvement, but also a way to ensure justice and show respect for those who have defended Ukraine.” 

“Citizens of Ukraine deserve fast and easy access to public services, especially veterans returning home. Through our work in Zhytomyr with ESTDEV, we are demonstrating how digital solutions can make this a reality. Our collaboration with Ukrainian municipalities is now moving to the next phase, expanding these services to more communities across Ukraine,” said Hannes Astok, executive director of the e-Governance Academy. 

This Estonian-led project builds on a previous project in Zhytomyr: a 2024 digital transformation initiative that improved service capacity through digital skills training and the rollout of a video consultation service for residents. This project was also successfully implemented by the e-Governance Academy. 

Estonia continues to play a strategic role in Ukraine’s recovery and decentralised digital development. This latest project is part of a broader effort to scale digital access, improve governance and deliver social justice through technology. 

Photo credit: e-Governance Academy