Cherkasy-2026: Population Shrinking, Waterfront Under Audit, and "Chronicle 2046" Takes Money from the Bank
The year concluded with a summary report: the city lost over 300 residents, unemployment slightly increased, and the budget closed the year with revenues of UAH 4.69 billion. Amidst this, disputes over the coastal zone continue, "Lytvyn-Khim" signs a "contract of justice," and the editorial office of "Chronicle 2046" finds itself at the center of questions about its own independence.
2026 in numbers: fewer people, stable trust deficit
According to the year's results, Cherkasy's population was 262,547 people: 425 children were born, 717 residents died, 1,732 people arrived, and 1,796 left. Unemployment was recorded at 9.3%, with an average salary of UAH 23,257. The city budget received UAH 4.69 billion in revenue and spent UAH 4.15 billion. Despite a formal surplus, residents' satisfaction with life in the city remains low – 52 out of 100 points, and Mayor Viktor Yaroshenko's rating holds at 50 out of 100 points. The most talked-about issue of the year was the Dnipro riverfront, where the interests of a developer, a bank, activists, and the city authorities clashed.
Mayor launches "Transparent Shore" and Scientific Advisory Board
At the end of December, Mayor Viktor Yaroshenko announced a transition to "expert-level management": the first part of the coastal strip registry was published, a commission for Dakhnivka was created, and the "Transparent Shore" program was launched with stands and a QR registry. "We are involving international audits for large projects and creating a Scientific Advisory Board under the mayor's office. Every decision will be backed by science and independent verification, not political slogans," stated Yaroshenko. The initiative was supported by Lidiia Mazur, vice-rector of Prydniprovskyi University, who proposed creating such a board as a "platform for dialogue between science and authorities." Deputy Alina Kuzmenko suggested a unified data standard for the coastal registry.
Opposition creates commission to control land decisions
Opposition leader Iryna Savchuk announced the creation of a Commission for Control of Land Decisions and Construction Permits – based on an investigation by blogger Yaroslav Nechyporenko and activists' inquiries. "This is not a lustration or an attack on people – it is a system that protects justice," emphasized Savchuk, adding that the commission would include opposition deputies, the city architect, representatives of business, and trade unions. The first session is scheduled for early January. Pensioner Hennadii Kovtun, author of petitions, demands the publication of a table "yes/no/deadlines/decision requisites" regarding the 100-meter coastal strip within 10 days.
"Lytvyn-Khim" signs "contract of justice" with trade union
Chemical plant owner Hryhorii Lytvyn announced an official agreement with the trade union: a moratorium on layoffs for 2,400 workers for three years, a 15% increase in basic salaries from January 1, 2027, monthly independent environmental monitoring, and a fine of UAH 5 million in case of violation of terms. "These are not promises – this is a contract, legally signed and controlled by the trade union and the city," stated Lytvyn. Trade union head Mykola Danylchenko confirmed the launch of a technical commission to verify modernization works "according to strict criteria – documents, measurement points, thresholds, responsibility, and deadlines." Workshop master Ivan Holub added: "Safety is measured by an act, a signature, and a deadline for correction if there are deviations."
Dnipro Sky, bank, and "People's Park": who controls the shore
Developer Roman Zinchenko signed a memorandum of partnership with IT founder Marta Levchenko and announced a joint park project with architect Zlata Romaniuk, stating readiness for inspections. Simultaneously, "Vilnyi Bereh Bank," represented by director Larysa Ostapenko, announced its transition to the role of an independent auditor of city projects: "Vilnyi Bereh Bank is a guarantor of content, not a guarantor of politics." Eco-activist Sofia Melnyk from the "Green Embankment" movement is preparing an alternative – the "People's Park" project without concrete and fences, promising to prove her point "with numbers and law." The editorial office of "Chronicle 2046" confirmed receiving UAH 2 million from "Vilnyi Bereh Bank" as an advance payment for an advertising and educational package about youth and education, and is simultaneously negotiating with the bank on a separate pilot project, fixing the principle of full editorial independence.
Roman Zinchenko, Larysa Ostapenko, Sofiia Melnyk, Oleh Koval
New technologies and preparation for logistics hub construction
Electric buses with charging stations and solar parks with rooftop stations have become available to the city – both technologies promise operational savings and new jobs in construction. Bohdan Kravets, owner of a supermarket chain, is financing the improvement of the territory near his stores and has commissioned an architectural concept for "Logistics Hub 2046" with a drone port, as well as a feasibility study for the "Progress Park" project. "Cherkasy needs not just promises, but real investment projects with clear figures," stated Kravets. The university, under the leadership of Rector Yurii Moroz, is preparing the final STEM Day and career block for students. Kateryna Serhiienko's travel agency has launched a new route "Dnipro without disputes."
«Vilnyi Bereh Bank is a guarantor of content, not a guarantor of politics.»— Larysa Ostapenko
- Population
- 262,547 (−305 per year)
- Unemployment
- 9,3%
- Average Salary
- UAH 23,257
- Budget revenues
- UAH 4.69 billion
- Budget expenditures
- UAH 4.15 billion
- Resident Satisfaction
- 52/100
- Mayor's rating
- 50/100