The Odesa city council has been strengthened by the addition of three individuals who participated in the war with Russia.
Three participants in the war with Russia, representatives of the veterans' movement, were included in the composition of the executive committee of the Odesa city council. This decision was made by 39 council members after lengthy discussions and protests by veterans, who demanded representation on the executive committee. Previously, the executive committee consisted of 15 members.
The Odesa city council was expanded to 18 members, with Serhiy Pushkarenko, Denys Kartashov, and Vadym Nesterenko being included in its composition. The decision was approved by 39 members of the city council. The adoption of the decision was accompanied by applause in the hall.
This happened after a long struggle for veteran representation in the city council, which was accompanied by public scandals, failed meetings, and mutual accusations. Notably, the candidacy of Vadim Shypulin, which sparked the conflict, was not on the list.
Serhiy Pusharenko is presented as a war veteran and the head of the NGO "NEKSUС VETERANS' ALLIANCE," Denis Kartashov is presented as the head of the public formation "Left Bank – Odesa," and Vadim Nesterenko is presented as a military serviceman who was released from captivity. Previously, Pusharenko was a member of the pro-Russian "Opposition Bloc" party in Odesa, and since 2018, he has worked as a lawyer.
Vadym Nesterenko began his military service in 2011, and joined the 35th Separate Marine Infantry Brigade in 2018. He encountered the full-scale invasion on the Zmiiny Island, where he spent two years and three months in Russian captivity, enduring torture, including rib and nose fractures and tooth loss.