How much did Mykolaiv budget spend on foreign business trips of officials?

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Mykolaiv, as one of the most affected cities, has received significant international assistance. This cooperation has resulted in numerous foreign business trips for Mykolaiv officials.

An investigation by NikCenter shows how much these trips cost the city budget.

The mayor of Mykolaiv , Oleksandr Senkevych, has made 48 trips abroad, visiting countries on different continents. According to the publication, the purpose of most trips was to participate in international conferences and forums on reconstruction, democracy and human rights. However, some trips had a different purpose. In particular, in January and March 2025, Sienkiewicz traveled to Warsaw twice to apply for and receive a visa to South Africa.

The trip to South Africa itself, which was actively discussed, was related to participation in the International Water Conference. At the same time, journalists note that the business trip lasted for five more days after the official end of the event. In May, the mayor reported on a meeting with representatives of the Cape Town municipality to discuss cooperation in the water supply sector.

Senkiewicz's business trips during the war. INFOGRAPHICS: NikCenter

Despite the large number of trips, the mayor's foreign business trips have been free of charge for the city budget since 2024. In 2022 and 2023, almost 55 thousand hryvnias were spent on the mayor's business trips from the city budget. Mr. Senkevych explained in a video message that the costs of flights, accommodation, and meals are paid by the host party or his personal funds. The only thing that is compensated from the budget is the per diem. At the same time, journalists note that according to payslips, Senkevych has already been paid 303 thousand hryvnias for business trips in the first seven months of 2025, and in 2024 this amount was more than 207 thousand hryvnias.

Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv Serhii Korenev has traveled on 28 foreign business trips since 2022, making him the most expensive for the city budget. In particular, in the first half of 2025 alone, Korenev was paid 141 thousand hryvnias from the budget. During the full-scale war, the official spent 208 days on business trips.

Sergiy Korenev's foreign business trips. INFOGRAPHICS: NikCenter

In addition, Korenev is currently a defendant in a criminal case regarding the embezzlement of UAH 26.8 million during the reconstruction of Soborna Square. Despite this, the court did not order him to obtain permission to leave Ukraine.

Катерина Глушко