The resilient Kherson region, situated on the front line, needs attention and support: First Deputy Speaker pays a working visit to the Kherson region
20 March 2026, 16:27
Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, paid a working visit to Kherson Oblast.
He paid tribute to the fallen heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine. “Deepest respect and eternal glory to all those who defended the state and its people,” Oleksandr Korniienko said.
Following the commemoration, the First Deputy Speaker visited an educational institution in the Kherson region to personally observe the learning conditions for children in frontline areas — in particular, the underground school at the Vysokopillia hub general secondary education institution, including a STEM classroom located in a shelter.
“We must ensure appropriate conditions for the continuity of the educational process for Ukrainian children, especially in frontline areas. Education is organised with due regard to existing threats: flexible learning formats, an optimised schedule to reduce psychological pressure, and opportunities for teachers to adapt learning materials to the circumstances without overburdening students,” he said.
In addition, Oleksandr Korniienko took part in a meeting with local communities in the Kherson region, specifically regarding the region’s competitiveness policy as part of Ukraine’s recovery process. Other participants included the head of the Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, and the chairman of the Regional Council, Oleksandr Samoilenko.
During his speech, the First Deputy Speaker emphasised that the authorities’ task is to support people from the temporarily occupied territories as they relocate to other regions: problematic issues are discussed and resolved — from those requiring swift solutions to matters needing lengthy consideration.
“We are sending a clear message — we will not abandon our people to their fate. Those who have been forced to flee and whose lives have been upended will always remain the focus of our attention,” he said.
Oleksandr Korniienko emphasised the importance of active international diplomacy to protect Ukrainian territories and human rights, as well as the consistency of the political stance regarding sanctions against russia and holding those responsible for war crimes to account. At the same time, the First Deputy Speaker noted that the priority is the security and support of the army, fortifications and the effective use of resources for defence.
During a meeting with the region’s farmers, the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed ensuring access to fuel and subsidies, simplifying tax mechanisms, compensation for expenses and loan programmes for farmers. Separately, the issues of roads near the front line, logistics, demining and safety in the fields were raised.
During the visit, the First Deputy Speaker also inspected the progress of the refurbishment of the Vysokopil Town Council’s administrative building complex, which is being converted into a general practice family medicine clinic. He familiarised himself with the treatment conditions at the ‘underground hospital’ and with the facilities of the anti-radiation shelter at the Velykooleksandrivska Hospital.
In addition, the First Deputy Speaker visited the ‘Caritas-Beryslav’ charity foundation, led by Father Oleksandr Bilskyi. One of the foundation’s key areas of work is the Emergency Appeal project, which meets people’s basic needs during times of crisis. Among the priorities is also the restoration of housing damaged as a result of hostilities.
Whilst familiarising himself with the work of the Vysokopil sector of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Kherson region, Oleksandr Korniienko noted the extremely difficult conditions in which rescuers work every day in de-occupied and frontline territories.
“The enemy cynically preys on those who are the first to come to the rescue. I am grateful to every single person who, every day, despite the enormous risks, stands guard over our nation’s security, rescues Ukrainians and combats the consequences of enemy attacks,” emphasised the First Deputy Speaker.
The First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was joined on his working visit by Vitalii Bezgin, Chair of the Subcommittee on Administrative-Territorial Structure and Local Self-Government of the Committee on the Organisation of State Power, Vitalii Bezgin, and the Chairperson of the Sub-committee on Petroleum, Oil Transportation Industries and Petroleum Products Supply of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Energy, Housing and Utilities Services, Serhii Kozyr.