Discussions, pressure and voting: deputies approved the new coat of arms of the Mykolaiv region featuring Saint Nicholas

16 April 2026 during the 35th extraordinary session of the Mykolaiv Regional Council the deputies by a majority vote approved a new coat of arms for the region. The main element of the symbolism became the image of Saint Nicholas.

The decision was made after a lengthy discussion process that involved 52 territorial communities. Following the consultations, 46 communities supported the variant with Saint Nicholas, another 4 communities backed an alternative project, and 2 communities did not support any of the options. The issue of changing the coat of arms was considered within the framework of decolonization policy. The previous regional symbol, approved back on 27 July 2001, contained elements associated with the Russian imperial tradition — in particular a bishop’s miter and croziers. Work on updating the symbolism began on 1 August 2025.

Before the final vote, deputies chose between two concepts: the variant with Saint Nicholas and the so-called “Scythian” or “Olbian” project, which appeals to the ancient heritage and military symbolism. It was the alternative variant that was supported by a number of military units that took part in the region’s defense. On the eve of the vote, the commander of the combined detachment “Buzky Gard” Illya Zelinsky addressed the deputies, alleging possible violations during the discussion.

“The issue went beyond a simple matter. Many external forces became involved, and it, in our view, encountered certain sabotage and violations in the voting processes”, – emphasized Illya Zelinsky.

According to Illya Zelinsky, the “Scythian” variant was supported by the commanders of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade, the 39th Separate Marine Brigade, the 31st Naval Intelligence Center of the Ukrainian Navy, the 253rd Separate Assault Regiment “Arey”, the 3rd Army Corps of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the 406th Separate Artillery Brigade named after Oleksii Almazov.

The new coat of arms is a shield divided into blue and silver fields. In the upper part there is a waist-length depiction of Saint Nicholas with a golden halo: with his right hand he blesses, and with his left he holds the Gospel. The image reproduces the sculpture from Chestnut Square. Beside the figure are symbols of the region: a Cossack cross as a reminder of the Zaporizhian Cossacks, and an eight-pointed star — a symbol of eternity and fidelity. In the lower part are waves that represent the Southern Bug and Inhul rivers, as well as access to the Black Sea.

The shield is framed by a decorative cartouche with ears of grain, a sunflower and oak leaves, emphasizing the agrarian character of the region. Additionally, an anchor is used as a symbol of shipbuilding, along with elements of Tavrian decorative motifs — grapes and lighthouses. The project authors stress that the image of Saint Nicholas symbolizes protection, assistance and the continuity of generations, and in the current conditions it also embodies support for the Ukrainian military and hope for victory.

Previously we wrote:

• Kim: the region must manage to choose everything: the coat of arms, school meals and a candidate for the “Gold Star”
• Farewell to the symbol of the empire: a cannon on the Mykolaiv embankment was dismantled
• The amount of the reward for the author of the best idea for Mykolaiv’s new coat of arms has been revealed
• “It was approved by the tsarina’s decree”, – Senkevich wants to change the date of Mykolaiv City Day
• In Mykolaiv they want to change the city’s coat of arms: they will pay for the best idea