Vinnytsia City Council Spends 80,000 UAH on a Phone but Refuses to Reveal the Model

Mobile Phone Purchase by Vinnytsia City Council

According to Главком: For 79,700 UAH, the executive committee of the Vinnytsia City Council bought a mobile phone but is keeping its brand and model under wraps. The supply deal was signed with individual entrepreneur B. I. Shcherba and runs through the end of 2026. Notably, the tender documents contain no details about the phone's make or model.

The responsible official at the city council is currently unavailable. Journalists were told to file a formal information request if they want more details. Meanwhile, the supplier, sole proprietor B. I. Shcherba, also refused to comment, stating that he is

“not authorized to provide official information or comments outside the scope of the contract and established procedures.”

Comparison with Other Purchases

Interestingly, the price tag for this phone far exceeds the cost of flagship premium smartphones, which typically range from $1,500 to $2,000. Examples of top-tier models include:

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Fold7
• Google Pixel 10 Pro

In a related development, the Teplytsia Settlement Council in the Vinnytsia region ran a tender for three mobile phones totaling 148,500 UAH. That council purchased Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra units, each costing 49,500 UAH. These devices are reportedly intended for front-line needs.

According to entrepreneur B. I. Shcherba, any questions about this public procurement should be directed to the contracting authority under the procedures set out in Ukraine's laws on public procurement and access to public information. As a result, the specifics of the mobile phone purchase remain unclear, with no details disclosed so far.

The lack of transparency around this purchase raises concerns about how public funds are being spent. The high cost of the device, unaccompanied by any specifications, is likely to trigger public scrutiny over whether such expenditure is justified. In contrast, the parallel procurement by the Teplytsia Settlement Council shows that other local authorities are opting for more cost-effective solutions for front-line needs, highlighting differing budget management approaches within the region.