Not only "paper" benefits: defenders in Mykolaiv are given an electric scooter "for the time being"

April 22 2026, the Mykolaiv City Council announced the launch of a social service to rent an electric scooter for veterans who received disabilities as a result of combat. The first such device was handed over to the city by donors from Germany — Mykolaiv residents Mykola Matiyuk and his daughter Lesya. The electric scooter is planned to be provided for temporary use to those defenders who need it until they receive a similar mobility device under a state guarantee.

In fact, this is not just about equipment, but about the opportunity for wounded servicemembers to return to everyday life and adapt to civilian life more quickly. The city council explains: the state procedure for providing such a device free of charge takes approximately 3–4 months, and during that time a person should not be left without the necessary support.

“We are at the beginning of a very good initiative initiated by our fellow countryman Mykola Heorhiyovych Matiyuk and his daughter Lesya. They gave us this wonderful electric scooter for the guys and girls who returned from the war, unfortunately with injuries. After going through a certain procedure, the state provides such a device free of charge in 3–4 months, but a person should not wait. During this time they can learn to use it and understand whether they need such a scooter. This is a wonderful initiative,” — said during the handover of the electric scooter the First Deputy Mayor Vitaliy Lukov.

The first electric scooter for temporary use was received by serviceman Volodymyr Kaida, who has serious leg injuries. For him this is not just a convenience, but a real chance to cope more easily with everyday tasks while the state assistance is being processed.

“They called me and offered: while I wait to receive an electric scooter from the state, I can practice on this one. I think it’s a great idea. It will be much more comfortable to manage everyday life with it,” — said Volodymyr Kaida.

The city council says they do not intend to stop at one scooter. By order of the mayor, each territorial center of social services in Mykolaiv plans to create units with such devices so that veterans can adapt in the city faster and more comfortably after the front and injuries. This initiative logically continues the city’s course toward expanding the network of services for defenders — from veteran spaces and social adaptation to practical household assistance.