A support center for veterans and their families will be established in the Mykolaiv region

A specialized committee of the Mykolaiv Regional Council approved the establishment of the municipal institution “Vector of Dignity,” which will provide support to veterans, military personnel, and their family members. The deputies also approved the nomination of war veteran Pavlo Poznansky for the position of director of the new institution.

This was announced during a meeting of the council’s committee on ecology, environmental protection, rational use of natural resources, tourism, and recreation.

According to Natalia Maroz, acting head of the Department of Veterans’ Policy at the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, the new agency will provide consultations on government programs and social guarantees, psychological assistance, and legal support, as well as facilitate the rehabilitation of veterans and their families.

During the discussion, deputies noted that there is currently no separate regional-level institution in the region to coordinate veterans’ policy, engage international partners, and help communities work with veterans.

Pavlo Poznansky, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, has been recommended for the position of director of “Vector of Dignity.” He served in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade, participated in the defense of Mariupol, returned from Russian captivity, and has a war-related disability.

During his speech, Poznansky stated that one of the main areas of focus for the future institution will be supporting veterans directly within their communities, developing rehabilitation and adaptive sports programs, and securing international grants to implement veteran-focused projects.

The final decision on establishing the institution and appointing its director will be made by members of the Mykolaiv Regional Council at their next session.

Pavlo Poznansky is a Ukrainian military officer, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, a Marine Corps major, a participant in the defense of Mariupol, and a 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 the severity of his condition, the occupiers included him on the prisoner exchange lists.

After returning from captivity, Pavlo Poznansky underwent extensive rehabilitation. Due to his spinal cord injury, he was unable to walk for some time and had to use 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, promoting rehabilitation, helping military personnel adapt to civilian life, promoting an accessible environment, and supporting veterans and their families. 

Андрій Колісніченко