This year has seen more losses than the past two combined, reported the mayor of Nikopol on the current situation in the city.

For the third consecutive year, Nikopol welcomes the New Year amid relentless shelling, which has actually intensified. Summarizing the past year, the mayor of Nikopol, Alexander Sayuk, spoke about the number of residents killed and injured in 2024, as well as the extent of destruction in the city. However, despite these challenges, there have also been positive developments even during the war. This is reported by "Vidomo" referencing Nikopolnews.

According to Alexander Sayuk, in Nikopol in 2024, 33 people lost their lives due to enemy shelling, while 288 civilians were injured.

Enemy shells have damaged or destroyed over 2,700 civilian infrastructure facilities.

"The most challenging aspect is that the intensity of shelling has significantly increased, along with the number of casualties and damaged properties. This year, the figures are equivalent to those of the previous two years combined. Essentially, it has doubled. There is a realization that you are constantly living under fire and that you may not return home every day… It's difficult," – said the mayor of Nikopol.

At the same time, Sayuk emphasized that the main achievement of Nikopol is that it continues to function during wartime. In particular, the city has initiated extensive work on installing gabions.

Additionally, 497 damaged houses have been repaired from the shelling.

"We have never accomplished this volume in a year before," – the mayor highlighted.

Furthermore, safe educational spaces are continuing to emerge in shelters throughout Nikopol, where preschool and school-aged children can receive services from educators and psychologists, socialize with one another, and develop. Young residents of Nikopol have been engaged in remote learning for nearly three years now. Kindergartens remain closed. Such educational spaces are crucial, and there are already 19 of them in the city.

Another positive update: in 2024, the number of community pharmacies in Nikopol has increased. There are now three more, bringing the total to six in the city. Branches are being opened in remote areas of the city, where pharmacies have been absent for decades. This is a significant support for residents, especially during wartime when moving around the city can be dangerous.

According to Alexander Sayuk, some road repairs have also been completed. Moreover, this year, the garbage collection service provider was changed. Now, these tasks are handled by the municipal enterprise "Park Management." Their performance has proven to be better than that of the private contractor, resulting in a cleaner city.

"Keeping the city clean, maintaining all infrastructure, and ensuring the stable operation of municipal enterprises despite shelling is, in itself, a significant achievement. Municipal enterprises are shelled almost daily. Yet, they continue to operate. We have managed to establish their functioning… Without them, the city would not survive," – said Alexander Sayuk.

The mayor also added that Nikopol, which is enduring under fire, is managing to support the military as well. This year, approximately 26 million hryvnias from the city budget were allocated to the army and law enforcement agencies.

In wishing the citizens a Happy New Year, Alexander Sayuk urged everyone to stay strong.

"We are together, everything will be Ukraine – I say this every morning and every evening in my addresses," – said the mayor.