First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko paid a working visit to the Vinnytsia region. Together with People’s Deputies of Ukraine Yulia Ovchynnykova, Iryna Borzova, and Mykola Kucher, he met with representatives of the agricultural sector, leaders of local communities, and youth of the region. During the working visit, Oleksandr Korniyenko also presented Diplomas and Certificates of Appreciation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to military medics, social workers, and representatives of state authorities.
In a meeting with representatives of the agricultural sector of the Vinnytsia region, the parties discussed the key challenges faced by Ukrainian producers, particularly issues of logistics, security, energy, state support, taxation, and the development of livestock farming.
Special attention was paid to the European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and the need to consider the interests of domestic producers during negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
Such meetings are essential for shaping decisions that meet the real needs of the sector. The raised issues will be addressed at the parliamentary level, and proposals falling within the competence of the Government will be submitted for further consideration,” noted Oleksandr Korniyenko.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine also held a working meeting with the leaders of territorial communities in the Vinnytsia region. Natalia Zabolotna, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, Vyacheslav Sokolovyi, Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Council, and representatives of district councils joined the discussion.
Among the pressing issues were local community funding and the unblocking of payments. Oleksandr Korniyenko noted that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recently adopted the necessary legislative decisions for further receipt of international financing, which should contribute to the gradual resolution of these problems. During the meeting, the parties also discussed the drafting of the next year's state budget, particularly PIT revenues, settlement of tariff debts, and increased funding for the State Fund for Regional Development (SFRD).
“SFRD funds are planned to be primarily allocated to community resilience projects — shelters, infrastructure protection, and energy security. We are also working on educational subventions and remuneration for staff of professional pre-higher education institutions,” emphasized Oleksandr Korniyenko.
Special attention was paid to the international cooperation of communities, in particular opportunities for attracting funding through Interreg and other regional development programs. The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine urged representatives of the Vinnytsia region to make more active use of international programs, develop partnerships, and prepare concrete projects:
“Currently, the training of nearly a thousand project managers across Ukraine is underway so that communities can work more effectively with international partners and attract funds for water pipelines, sewage treatment facilities, energy infrastructure, and social facilities. Today, a significant share of international projects is concentrated in large cities, although smaller communities also have the potential to implement them.”
As part of his working visit, Oleksandr Korniyenko also met with representatives of the Regional Youth Congress, student self-government bodies, youth councils, and local communities of the region.
During the meeting, participants discussed youth participation in community life, opportunities to influence government decisions, and prospects for professional development in public administration. Oleksandr Korniyenko stressed the importance of involving young people in discussions and decision-making at the local, regional, and national levels.
“I thank the youth of the Vinnytsia region for their activity, initiative, and desire to engage in civic life. I am especially pleased to see representatives of student self-government, as I once walked this path myself. And to those who already see their future in public administration or politics today, I wish you courage,” noted the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
