On June 11, the Ukrainian government approved a decision to allocate 115 million UAH for the implementation of the first phase of a barrier-free route in Odessa, which will become the longest in Ukraine, integrating tram and pedestrian transport.

The project allocates over 1.1 billion UAH for 11 pilot communities aimed at creating barrier-free environments under the "Movement Without Barriers" initiative by the Ministry of Community Development. This initiative is supported by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.

Odessa's mayor, Gennadiy Trukhanov, declared 2025 as the Year of Barrier-Free Access, emphasizing the local government's commitment to creating an accessible environment. A Barrier-Free Council has been established, with a program and action plan already in place, setting priorities across various sectors: from infrastructure to adaptive sports.

Alexey Morozov, advisor to the mayor, noted that the success of these initiatives is ensured by the involvement of veterans and people with disabilities, who oversee the entire process.

"A year ago, no one could have imagined that Odessa would become a powerful rehabilitation center by the summer of 2025. We are now opening a new inclusive beach and a sports ground with adaptive equipment," Morozov shared.

Odessa is leading in the "Movement Without Barriers" project with the implementation of the longest inclusive tram route "North-South" and is also actively developing an inclusive pedestrian route.

The Barrier-Free Council conducts regular inspections of stops and pedestrian crossings, involving project ambassadors like Valentina Khoruzha, who heads the Youth Council.

"Coordinated efforts allow us to respond effectively to the needs for accessible infrastructure. It is important that projects are implemented quickly, and I am grateful to the mayor for his support in this important work," Morozov stated.

"Movement Without Barriers" is the flagship project of the Ministry of Community Development with the goal of creating barrier-free routes in pilot communities, including Kyiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and other cities.