Starting from December of this year, the State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (DOT) will be responsible for providing rations to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, DOT plans to implement a new strategy that incorporates an inclusive approach, taking into account the religious, medical, and ethical needs of service members.
To achieve this, the range of available rations will be expanded, including the introduction of plant-based, kosher, and halal meal options.
DOT and the Ministry of Defence have already held discussions with representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Islamic and Jewish religious organizations of Ukraine, the NGOs "Kozhna tvaryna" and UAnimals, as well as market representatives.
“Our goal is to meet all the needs of our service members, considering their beliefs, health, and ethical principles. We aim to create conditions in which every defender of Ukraine feels comfortable and supported. We know that many of our soldiers follow different religious traditions or have specific dietary needs, so we are working closely with religious communities and nutrition experts. We also understand the importance of ethical choices, which is why plant-based rations will be a significant part of our new strategy. This is not just about food; it’s about respecting the convictions of every soldier,” emphasized Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Dmytro Klymenkov.
“As part of the Euro-Atlantic family, we must embrace an inclusive culture and strive to fully meet the needs of our military personnel. The idea of diverse menus arose because we are aligning with European standards, where individuals with different needs are not overlooked but are provided with what they require. We need to advance toward the EU and NATO not only through standardization but also in respecting individual choices. Inclusive nutrition is not just about changing rations; it's about changing mindsets and aligning with the Euro-Atlantic vector,” noted Halyna Litosh, Director of Project Portfolio Management at DOT.
Following the meeting, participants agreed to continue working together on the development of updated rations. They will provide their inputs, suggestions, recommendations, and draft menu options to the relevant department of the Ministry of Defence.
