Kim called on Mykolaiv residents to return from abroad: «It's sometimes much better here»

Vitaliy Kim called on Mykolaiv residents to return from abroad. Illustrative photo: NikVesti

The head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, appealed to the residents of Mykolaiv and the region who had left for other regions or abroad due to the war, urging them to return home and help the country.

As he said on the air of the telethon Unified News, everyone has different reasons for leaving, but the region «misses its people» and is waiting for their return.

As is known, the population of Mykolaiv has decreased by more than 75,000 people in three years. While in February 2022, about 469,000 people lived in the city, as of the beginning of 2025, 394,300 people were registered in the community registry. During the telethon, a journalist asked Vitalii Kim what he could say to those Mykolaiv residents who had left for other regions or abroad because of the war and still did not dare to return.

«Everyone has their own reasons, let's say. We miss all our people. We have a good life here, and sometimes it is much better than abroad. Therefore, I urge everyone to return and help Ukraine. If you cannot or do not want to fight, then help the army. Therefore, I urge everyone to continue fighting and not stand aside,» said Vitalii Kim.

Head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration Vitaliy Kim. Archive photo: NikVesti

When asked by a journalist what event most changed his perception of full-scale war, Vitalii Kim replied that it was probably the first missiles.

«Probably, it was the first missiles that flew in. Then I realised that the invasion had begun and that life would no longer be the same as it was before 24 February 2022. Probably that. There are events that have had a strong psychological impact, in particular, the injury and death of people. But I think, nevertheless, the main change is the start of a full-scale invasion, which affected me personally,» replied Vitalii Kim.

Four years ago, on 24 February 2022, at around 4 a.m., residents of various cities in Ukraine woke up to the sound of the first explosions. On that day, Russia launched a full-scale invasion, attacking the country from several directions — across the border, from the territory of Belarus and the temporarily occupied Crimea. Among others, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Chernihiv, Sumy and other cities of the country were hit.

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For more details about the events in Mykolaiv on the first day of the full-scale invasion, read our article: «Russia attacked Ukrainian cities: what is happening in Mykolaiv and the country».

More than 75,000 people have left Mykolaiv in three years: what is known

The population of Mykolaiv has decreased by more than 75,000 people in three years. While in February 2022, the city had a population of about 469,000, as of the beginning of 2025, only 394,300 people were registered in the community registry. Thus, in three years, the city has lost more than 75,000 people. This is evidenced by data from the city council's economic development department in the community budget forecast for 2026–2028.

At the same time, the number of officially registered unemployed in the city in 2026 is forecast to be 804 people, and in 2028 — 756. Mykolaiv also remains a city that accepts internally displaced persons. While there were 63,600 such persons at the beginning of 2025, more than 73,000 are expected in 2028.

Key economic and social development indicators for Mykolaiv. Source: information from the Economic Development Department of the Mykolaiv City Council

Despite the demographic decline, the situation on the labour market is improving. According to the regional employment centre, the number of unemployed in the Mykolaiv district decreased by 34.5% — from 8,751 people at the beginning of 2024 to 5,729 at the beginning of 2025. As part of the state programme «eRobota» (eWork), 10 city residents even started their own businesses.

Income levels will also grow. The average salary in the city is forecast to rise from 18,000 hryvnias in 2024 to 25,000 hryvnias in 2028.