On June 11, the Ukrainian government made a significant decision to allocate UAH 115 million to improve the accessibility environment in Odesa. These funds will go toward implementing the first stage of the longest inclusive route in Ukraine, combining tram and pedestrian connections.

Overall, the project envisions distributing over UAH 1.1 billion to 11 pilot communities to create accessible spaces within the framework of the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development's initiative. The “Barrier-Free Movement” program is supported by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov declared 2025 the Year of Accessibility. The local government is actively implementing a program that includes the establishment of a Council on Accessibility and a comprehensive action plan covering infrastructure, transport, rehabilitation, and adaptive sports.

According to Oleksii Morozov, the Mayor's Advisor on Accessibility, the key to success is collaboration with veterans and people with disabilities, who help set priorities and monitor implementation.

“A year ago, many Odesa residents couldn't imagine that their city would become a major rehabilitation hub. Now, we are opening an inclusive beach and a sports ground with adaptive equipment, which shows real progress,” Morozov said.

Odesa is also implementing the longest inclusive tram route and is working on creating an accessible pedestrian path. The Accessibility Council conducts regular inspections of stops and crossings to ensure accessibility.

“This coordinated effort allows us to meet the community's needs for accessible infrastructure. I'm grateful to Hennadii Trukhanov for his support,” emphasized Morozov.

The “Barrier-Free Movement” is a key direction of the Ministry aimed at creating accessible routes in cities across Ukraine.