A defender from Mariupol has taken charge of a new veterans' center in the Mykolaiv region

During an extraordinary session, members of the Mykolaiv Regional Council approved the establishment of the “Vector of Dignity” municipal institution, which will provide support to veterans, military personnel released from captivity, and the families of fallen defenders.

The decision was adopted during the 37th extraordinary session of the regional council.

At the same time, the deputies approved the appointment of Pavlo Poznansky—a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a Marine, and a defender of Mariupol—as director of the newly established institution.

During his address to the deputies, Poznansky emphasized that the new institution should serve as a single center where veterans and their families can receive the necessary assistance. This includes psychological support, legal counseling, social adaptation, and support upon returning to civilian life.

According to the veteran, special attention will be given to soldiers who have returned from Russian captivity, as well as to the families of defenders who were killed or are missing in action.

The Mykolaiv Regional Council noted that the creation of “Vector of Dignity” is part of the region’s efforts to develop veteran policy and is intended to improve the coordination of assistance for those affected by the war.

Pavlo Poznansky isa Ukrainian serviceman, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a Marine Corps major, a participant in the defense of Mariupol,anda former prisoner of war. He served in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi, where he held the position of deputy commander of a tank battalion.

He was born in the city of Ochakiv, Mykolaiv Oblast. He studied at the Mykolaiv Law Lyceum and later graduated from the Hetman Petro Sahaidachny Army Academy in Lviv. He received his black Marine beret in 2015 and participated in combat operations in eastern Ukraine.

With the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, he carried out combat missions near Mariupol. Together with his comrades, he took part in the city’s defense, particularly on the grounds of the Azovmash plant and the Ilyich Mariupol Metallurgical Combine.

In April 2022, while attempting to break out of besieged Mariupol, he sustained five gunshot wounds and severe damage to his spinal cord and lungs. After being wounded, he was taken prisoner by the Russians, where he spent nearly three months. Due to his critical condition, the occupiers included him on the prisoner exchange lists.

After returning from captivity, Pavlo Poznansky underwentextensive rehabilitation. Due to his spinal cord injury, he was unable to walk for some time and relied on a wheelchair. Thanks to persistent training and modern rehabilitation methods, he was able to walk again. According to Ukrinform, Poznansky is one of the few Ukrainian veterans with such a severe spinal cord injury who has managed to regain the ability to walk independently.

Since completing his military service, he has been actively involved in advocating for veterans, rehabilitation, helping military personnel adapt to civilian life, promoting an accessible environment, and supporting veterans and their families. 

Андрій Колісніченко