First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko paid a working visit to Mykolaiv region. The events were also attended by: Oleksandr Haidu, Chair of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy; Arsenii Pushkarenko, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation; Artem Chornomorov, Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic and Financial Policy in the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy; Ihor Kopytin, Chair of the Subcommittee on Defense Industry and Technical Modernization of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence; Oleksandr Pasichnyi, Member of the Committee on Budget.

The working visit to Mykolaiv region, specifically to the city of Yuzhnoukrainsk, began with paying tribute to the fallen Heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and laying flowers at the Memory Alley of the Memorial Complex to the Defenders of Ukraine.

«Every time we visit our communities, we bow our heads in honor of their Defenders. The best sons and daughters of our country give their lives for a free future. Eternal memory to them,» said the First Deputy Speaker.

During a meeting with Mayor Valerii Onufriienko, Oleksandr Korniienko and Members of Parliament discussed a range of important issues, including participation in grant programs, rural development, horizontal cooperation with partner cities, involvement in European projects, as well as support for internally displaced persons, particularly through the construction of modular housing.

«I emphasized the need to increase the capacity for participating in regional development projects,» said Oleksandr Korniienko. «The European integration process has opened up opportunities to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and improving living conditions for their residents.»

The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also took part in an important regional event — the “First Forum of Starostas. Mykolaiv Region.”

Participants of the forum discussed the role of starostas (village or settlement representatives) in community development and their interaction with the central government. Special attention was given to the challenges facing the institution of starostas and issues of legislative regulation. The discussion also focused on the provision of medical and educational services in rural areas.

Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized that starostas are the ones closest to the people, and it is their efforts that ensure the functioning of the country at the grassroots level. He thanked them for their work and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with local self-government bodies.

«Local self-government has always been—and I am confident will continue to be—a pillar of support for the central government and a partner in ensuring the proper functioning of our country. These are difficult times, full of challenges, which is why an honest and transparent dialogue on the issues that concern both you and us is extremely important,» said the First Deputy Speaker.

In his speech, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized that russia is intensifying military pressure, particularly through terrorist missile attacks on rear regions, including Mykolaiv region. This, he noted, creates the urgent need to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and internal resilience. He stressed that, in particular, reforms in decentralization and the development of local self-government are helping the country withstand this pressure and sustain its vital functions.

He also noted that European integration and economic development — particularly support for the agricultural sector — remain among Ukraine’s key priorities.

Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized the importance of stimulating agricultural processing, creating jobs, and attracting significant investment in social infrastructure, especially given current demographic challenges. He pointed out that the transformation of the administrative and territorial structure is ongoing, with the goal of consolidating communities and enhancing their capacity in line with European standards.

The First Deputy Speaker also highlighted Ukraine’s potential in the European integration process, which will help stimulate the national economy and strengthen its key sectors. He called on local starosta offices to include positions in their staffing dedicated to international cooperation.

As part of his working visit, Oleksandr Korniienko visited the observation deck of the Granite-Steppe Pobuzhzhia National Nature Park and became acquainted with the operations of the Yuzhnoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant.

The First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to Mykolaiv region — a front-line, yet dynamic and strategically important region — for its substantial contribution to the country's economy and defense capabilities.

He emphasized the region’s agricultural potential, particularly in agri-processing, and expressed appreciation to the regional authorities and forum organizers for their open dialogue with local communities.

He called for such meetings to become regular practice and reaffirmed the Parliament’s continued support for local self-government.