Vasylivka, Mykolaiv Oblast, 20 February 2025 – The Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have supported the establishment of new police stations in war-affected communities across Mykolaiv Oblast. 

Currently, six stations are already operational: three in the Snihurivka Community — in the villages of Vasylivka and Novovasylivka, and in the town of Snihurivka — as well as one each in the Shevchenkove, Halytsynove, and Shyroke communities. By the end of 2026, two additional stations are planned to open in the Zavodske and Horokhivske communities. This will bring the total number of police stations opened since 2023 to 16.

In 2022, Snihurivka and nearby communities were under occupation. As a result of the hostilities, civilian and security infrastructure sustained significant damage, including police department buildings. The destruction of these facilities substantially limited the local police’s ability to provide rapid response, carry out preventive work, and ensure an adequate level of public safety in the communities.

Following the regaining of control by the Ukrainian Government in the area, one of the key priorities became restoring the full operation of law enforcement in populated areas and creating proper conditions for their work. This involves not only the reconstruction of premises but also the restoration of the functional capacity of police units.

The initiative to establish police stations was launched by the National Police of Ukraine to ensure the constant physical presence of law enforcement officers in communities and to strengthen engagement with local residents. In response to the request, UNDP and the Government of Denmark supported the establishment of stations in affected communities, enabling the implementation of the “Community Police Officer” project. This support aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the police at the local level, expand residents’ access to security services, and create the conditions for restoring stability and safety in everyday community life.

Local authorities provided the premises and carried out the necessary renovation work. With the support of the Government of Denmark and UNDP in Ukraine, all of the stations were equipped with office furniture and essential equipment, including computers, radios, and charging stations that ensure the uninterrupted operation of police units even during power outages. The total value of the support provided exceeded US$45,000.

Jakob Torrild Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv, said that communities in Mykolaiv Oblast require comprehensive security solutions. “Security forms the foundation for recovery, the return of people, and the revival of economic activity. In partnership with UNDP, Denmark supports the establishment of police stations to strengthen the institutional capacity of law enforcement at the local level and to build trust between the police and the public. This is an investment in stability and a secure future for every family in the region,” Mr. Hansen noted.

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, Auke Lootsma, emphasized the importance of a systematic and people-centred approach to strengthening security at the local level. “At the core of UNDP’s security approach are people and their needs. In war-affected communities, these needs are complex and interconnected — ranging from physical safety to the restoration of trust and stability in everyday life. The opening of each new police station, among other measures, enhances a community’s capacity to respond to security risks and challenges in a systematic, timely, and effective manner,” Mr. Lootsma said.

During 2023–2025, with the support from the Government of Denmark and UNDP in Ukraine, three police stations were opened in Mykolaiv and five more in the Voznesensk, Buzke, Bashtanka, Oleksandrivka, and Novyi Buh communities of Mykolaiv Oblast. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org