Mykolaiv opened the "Free Stage" and revived the tradition of honorary citizenship

In Mykolaiv, on the occasion of City Day, a new art space, the “Free Stage”, was officially opened at the Mykolaiv Academic Art Drama Theatre. On the same day the city resumed the tradition of awarding the title “Honorary Citizen of the City of Mykolaiv”, which had not been continued since the beginning of the full‑scale invasion.

The art space was created with the support of the organization “Save the Children in Ukraine”, the public organization “Southern Development Strategy” and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The theatre director Artem Svistun, on behalf of the troupe, thanked everyone who helped open the new venue. It will be available to residents on Wednesdays: the space will host various events aimed at supporting mental health.

The ceremonies began with the performance of the State Anthem of Ukraine and the anthem of Mykolaiv. After that, attendees observed a minute of silence to honor the defenders who gave their lives for the country’s freedom.

The Mykolaiv city mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych, in an address to the participants, spoke about the resilience of the city’s residents, the importance of preserving city traditions and the people who defend and support the city.

“I congratulate everyone present on the Day of our native Mykolaiv! A city is not roads and buildings, but the people who live here. The people who defended Mykolaiv, hold the South and continue to invest their efforts in its support. Mykolaiv is a city with an interesting, controversial and motley history. Our history has been constantly rewritten, and at the same time we are now at the epicenter of historical events. We will need time to rethink it, find new heroes and remember them. Today our heroes are the Armed Forces of Ukraine: brave men and women who defend our city and state, looking not to the past but to the future. I thank each and every one who, on the front line and at the rear, does everything to ensure the city’s basic needs and by daily work brings our victory closer. Congratulations to everyone on the holiday! I very much hope that next City Day we will celebrate in a peaceful Mykolaiv and a peaceful Ukraine,” the mayor said.

The title “Honorary Citizen of the City of Mykolaiv” was posthumously awarded to two Heroes of Ukraine — Colonel Ihor Bedzai and Colonel Hennadiy Matuliak. The mayor presented the honorary distinctions to their families, and the names of the fallen Heroes were entered into the Book of Honor of the City of Mykolaiv.

The families of fallen servicemen were also presented with state and military awards:

• the Order “For Courage”, 3rd class was awarded to soldier Kostiantyn Ivanov;
• the Order “For Courage”, 3rd class — soldier Pavlo Ozhyhov;
• the Order “For Courage”, 3rd class — soldier Yevhen Sukhoviev;
• the Order “For Courage”, 3rd class and the breast badge “Combatant’s Cross” — soldier Oleksandr Shvetsov;
• the “Defender of the Fatherland” medal — seaman Denys Velychko;
• the breast badge “Combatant’s Cross” — soldier Dmytro Kasilov;
• the “Land Forces Cross” medal — soldier Oleksandr Hulidu.

The President of Ukraine’s award “For the Defense of Ukraine” and the badge “Golden Cross” were handed to the families of servicemen Yevhen Korostylov and Andriy Novytsky, who are considered missing in action.

For a significant contribution to community life and support of Mykolaiv during the war, city mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych presented honorary distinctions “For Service to the City of Mykolaiv”:

• Ihor Tsvetov — a four‑time Paralympic Games champion;
• Jakob Torrild Hansen — head of the Office of the Royal Danish Embassy in Mykolaiv, who was also recognized for strengthening international partnership and assisting in the reconstruction of the city’s infrastructure.

Oleksandr Sienkevych also presented honorary certificates and letters of thanks to volunteers, municipal workers, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who support the city.

“I want to ask you to remember not only those who are no longer with us, but also the current defenders. Support them, thank them. Let them know that Mykolaiv residents honor not only those who are no longer with us, but also those who are now fighting for our independence. I would also like to thank our international partners separately. Today in this war we are not alone. Our partners have been supporting us for the fifth year. Thanks to this we are now doing in Mykolaiv things that before the full‑scale invasion we could only dream of. I thank all our partners, and above all the Kingdom of Denmark, which has become a good friend to us,” the mayor said.

The contribution to the development and defense of the region was also recognized by the Mykolaiv Regional Council. Its head Anton Tabunshchyk presented the awards “For Merit to Mykolaiv Region”, 3rd class and “For the Defense of Mykolaiv Region”.

Source: Mykolaiv City Council.

Earlier we wrote:

• Flowers instead of loud celebrations: Mykolaiv began City Day with a minute of silence
• An interactive cube about regional reconstruction opened in Mykolaiv with support from Denmark and UNDP
• Mykolaiv granted the title of Honorary Citizen to Ihor Bedzai and Hennadiy Matuliak
• “This young pilot – my husband”: a woman told whom Ihor Bedzai saved at the cost of his own life
• Streets in Mykolaiv named after pilot‑heroes from the “Kulbakynska” brigade