As part of this initiative, the range of rations will be significantly expanded to include vegetarian, kosher, and halal options, ensuring a greater variety of food products for military personnel.
The new rations are expected to be available to service members starting in December 2024, following the completion of the development and approval process.
The Ministry, together with the Department of Food Technology (DPT), has already held consultations with representatives from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Islamic and Jewish communities, as well as animal rights organizations such as "Every Animal" and UAnimals, and representatives from the food industry.
“Our goal is to meet all the needs of our service members, considering their beliefs, health, and ethical principles. We strive to create an environment where every defender of Ukraine feels comfortable and confident. We know that many of our military personnel adhere to various religious traditions or have specific dietary needs, so we are actively working with religious communities and nutrition experts. We also understand the importance of ethical choices, which is why plant-based rations will be an essential part of our new strategy. This is not just about food, but about respecting the beliefs of every soldier,” emphasized Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov.
Following the meeting, it was agreed to continue collaboration to develop updated rations. The participants will provide their input, suggestions, recommendations, and developed ration options to the relevant department of the Ministry of Defense.
“As part of the Euro-Atlantic family, we must embrace an inclusive culture and strive to fully meet the needs of our military. The idea of diverse menus arose in part because we are aligning with European standards where individuals with different needs are not ignored but provided for. We must align with the EU and NATO not only in terms of standards but also in respecting individual choices in preferences. Inclusive nutrition is not just about changing rations, it’s about a shift in mindset and synchronizing with the Euro-Atlantic direction,” said Halyna Litosh, Director of Project Portfolio Management at DPT.
