Petro Zhelev
Department of Veteran-Sensitive Programmes and Civil–Military Dialogue, Honorary Member
An specialist in veteran-sensitive programmes, civil–military engagement and socio-cultural communication. His professional experience combines more than twenty years of work in theatre and the cultural sector with volunteer engagement, support for service members and their families, and the coordination of humanitarian, educational and veteran-focused initiatives
Professional Profile
His work centres on developing meaningful forms of interaction between veterans, active service members, their families and civilian communities; promoting a culture of respect for military and veteran experience; strengthening public dialogue; and creating practical approaches to veterans’ social and cultural reintegration.
A distinctive feature of professional profile is the integration of community engagement with theatre, performance and public communication. This interdisciplinary approach creates additional opportunities for developing contemporary formats of veteran-sensitive dialogue, community participation and social inclusion.
- veteran-sensitive programmes for communities and organisations
- civil–military dialogue and community engagement
- social and cultural reintegration of veterans
- communication between service members, veterans, their families and civilian communities
- educational, humanitarian and public-awareness initiatives
- volunteer programmes supporting members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- theatre- and culture-based formats for public dialogue
- coordination and facilitation of community and veteran-focused projects
Role within the Institute
As Director of the Department of Veteran-Sensitive Programmes and Civil–Military Dialogue, Petro Zhelev contributes to the development and implementation of programmes designed to strengthen veteran-sensitive environments and constructive interaction between military and civilian communities.
The Department’s work includes the development of veteran-sensitive programmes for communities and organisations, facilitation of civil–military dialogue, educational and communication initiatives, participation in projects supporting veterans’ social and cultural reintegration, interdisciplinary programmes of the Institute, and cooperation with veteran, civil society, cultural and educational organisations.
Professional and Community Engagement:
- Head and Coordinator of Veteran-Sensitive Programmes
He contributes to the design, implementation and coordination of programmes and practical formats aimed at supporting veteran communities, fostering veteran-sensitive environments and strengthening civil–military interaction. - Volunteer and Coordinator of Volunteer Initiatives for Service Members
Petro Zhelev is involved in volunteer initiatives supporting members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their families. - He is a member of the charitable foundation “Obiednani Turbotoiu” (“United by Care”) and has contributed to volunteer initiatives associated with the volunteer group “Smuhastyi Kit”.
- His volunteer engagement includes organising assistance for units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, supporting service members and their families, and participating in humanitarian, cultural and community initiatives for military personnel.
- Founder, Director and Actor, “Stezhka” Theatr
2026 — present - Actor, Zaporizhzhia Youth Theatre
2003 — present - More than two decades of professional theatre experience constitute an important part of Petro Zhelev’s expertise and provide a strong foundation for developing theatre-based approaches to social dialogue, public communication, community engagement and veteran-sensitive cultural initiatives.
Education:
- Zaporizhzhia National University
2002–2007
Field of study: Theatre Arts / Acting
Awards and Professional Recognition:
- Honoured Artist of Ukraine, 2025
- Certificate of Honour of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, 2018
- Winner, “Sicheslavna 2021” Theatre Festival and Competition, Best Supporting Actor, for the role of Savka in One Hundred Thousand by Ivan Karpenko-Karyi, 2021
- Special Prize, “TYuZ-2009” Open Festival for Children and Young Audiences, for the role of the Grasshopper in Tsokotukha the Fly, 2009.
Original Socio-Cultural Initiatives:
At the heart of the initiative is a theatrical performance that creates a space for reflecting on veteran experience, encouraging public dialogue and drawing attention to the challenges that may accompany the transition from military service to civilian life.
The project demonstrates how theatre and cultural practice can contribute to public understanding, communication and dialogue around veteran experience.
To be added: year and date of creation/premiere; Petro Zhelev’s precise role in the project - concept author, playwright, director, actor, etc.; a brief synopsis; locations and dates of performances; project partners; target audiences and, where available, audience reach or outcomes.