Ukrainian Business Leader Proposes Shutting Down Youth and Sports Ministry to Fund Defense

Call to Abolish the Ministry of Youth and Sports

According to Главком: Vladimir Popereshnyuk, co-owner of the 'Nova Poshta' company, has called for the dissolution of Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports, labeling its spending as inefficient during wartime. He argues that the ministry's current annual budget of nearly 7 billion hryvnias should be redirected to the country's defense needs. Popereshnyuk, who paid 16 billion hryvnias in taxes last year, stated his opposition as a taxpayer to such significant public funds being allocated to the ministry's activities.

Views on State Funding for Sports

In a Facebook post, Popereshnyuk stressed that with limited state finances during the war, all resources must be prioritized for military requirements.

"Firstly, there is not enough money in the budget, and creditors are demanding tax increases, which will slow the economy. Secondly, all funds today should go to weapons and the military," he stated.

The 'Nova Poshta' co-owner also expressed the view that the state should not financially support athletes who achieve success on the international stage.

Popereshnyuk cited examples of Ukrainian athletes such as:

• Elina Svitolina
• Oleksandr Usyk
• Vladimir Klitschko
• Andriy Shevchenko

who, in his opinion, do not require state support as they are capable of earning from their own success.

"Every athlete invests in their sporting and financial future and is personally responsible for their achievements," he noted.

Vladimir Popereshnyuk added that if Ukrainians wish to support athletes, it should be through voluntary donations, not via taxes.

This proposal from Popereshnyuk has sparked active public debate, as the issue of sports funding in Ukraine has long been contentious. This discussion occurs in a context where the Ukrainian government is under immense pressure to allocate every possible resource to its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers had previously approved changes to regulations for youth sports schools, which officials claim will provide these institutions with greater operational flexibility.

Popereshnyuk's statement highlights the pressing need to review budgetary expenditures during wartime and amid scarce resources, a relevant concern for many Ukrainians. The debate over sports funding reflects broader economic and social challenges facing the nation, where support for athletes and military needs are in direct competition for limited funds. This case may spur further analysis and potential reforms in the area of state sports financing in Ukraine.