Mykolaiv, 236 Years of History, Resistance, and Solidarity
On September 13, Mykolaiv celebrated its 236th anniversary. Founded in 1789, this city in southern Ukraine remains a symbol of courage: it heroically resisted during the first weeks of the Russian invasion, preventing the city from being captured and stopping any advance toward Odesa.
Located at the confluence of the Southern Bug and the Inhul rivers, close to the Dnipro and the Black Sea, Mykolaiv enjoys a mild climate and an exceptional natural setting. Its destiny is closely tied to the sea: its shipyards, once among the largest in the former USSR, were a source of pride for Ukraine and are now at a standstill.
Since the start of the war, the city has faced immense challenges:
The Kinburn Peninsula, opposite Mykolaiv, is occupied by Russian forces, who regularly shell the riverbank, striking infrastructure and residential areas.
The port is blocked, paralyzing the local economy and exports of grain, oils, oilseeds, as well as industrial products such as iron.
In April 2022, shelling destroyed the main freshwater pipeline linking Mykolaiv to the Dnipro. The city was forced to draw salty water from the estuary, unfit for drinking. While it has allowed residents to wash and maintain a minimum level of hygiene, it corrodes pipelines and damages pumping stations, leaving the entire network vulnerable.
In the face of these challenges, French solidarity is expressed in very concrete ways. Mobile photovoltaic panels financed by France and the French Embassy in Ukraine now supply, among other facilities, pumping stations and help secure electricity supply. At the same time, a partnership with the City of Montpellier was signed in June 2025 as part of our #MistoMatch initiative. This summer, children from Mykolaiv stayed in Montpellier, giving tangible form to this bond of solidarity.
In this difficult context, the French presence on the ground takes on its full meaning. Stand With Ukraine accompanied a delegation from the France–Ukraine Friendship Group of the French National Assembly, led by Gabriel Attal, President of the group, and composed of MPs Tristan Lahais (Ille-et-Vilaine), Thierry Sother, Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade (MP representing French citizens in the Benelux countries), and Liliana Tanguy, during their visit to Mykolaiv.
Their visit, which coincided with the city’s anniversary celebrations, provided an opportunity to meet with Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych and local residents and to witness firsthand the strength of local resilience.
Traditionally, City Day is one of Mykolaiv’s largest celebrations, marked by concerts and festivals. In 2025, the war has imposed more subdued commemorations. Yet the essentials remain: honoring history, affirming pride, and preserving hope.
After victory, Mykolaiv will once again be able to celebrate its history and its free future with joy, bringing the entire community together.
