The man arranged for guardianship in order to get a deferment, but left the children at a boarding school in the Mykolaiv region

A resident of the Mykolaiv region became the legal guardian of two children deprived of parental care in order to obtain a deferment from mobilization. However, he did not take the children out of the boarding school and also received more than 63,000 hryvnias in government assistance.

This is stated in the verdict of the Voznesensk City and District Court of Mykolaiv Oblast dated October 28, 2026.

According to the case file, the man submitted an application to the child welfare service requesting to be appointed guardian of two students at the Antonivsk Art Lyceum. In November 2024, the executive committee of the Novo-Odesa City Council appointed him as their guardian, even though the children continued to be fully supported by the state at the institution.

After receiving the guardianship documents, the man applied three times to the territorial recruitment and social support center and received deferments from military conscription. The court determined that he had no intention of actually caring for the children.

In addition, in December 2024, the man applied for state assistance. Over the course of four months, he was paid 63,290 hryvnias, even though the children remained in the boarding school and he was not entitled to these funds.

The defendant fully admitted his guilt, expressed remorse, and reimbursed the state for the losses incurred. He also donated 50,000 hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The court approved the plea agreement and sentenced the man to three years in prison. At the same time, he was granted a one-year suspended sentence. During this period, he must report to the probation office and notify them of any changes in his place of residence, employment, or education.

Ірина Глухова