The Transcarpathian Museum of Local Lore planned to purchase a Toyota Proace Verso for 1.94 million hryvnias, but after extensive public discussion and a decision by the regional administration, the tender was canceled. The reason for this move was concerns that spending on a new car would be inappropriate in a war situation, when every hryvnia should go to primary needs.
The museum's director, Olga Shumovska, tried to justify this decision, noting that the funds for the purchase of the car were collected not from the budget, but from the museum's own revenues. She emphasized that over the past few years the institution has earned significant amounts through the provision of paid services. In particular, in 2021 the museum earned 4 million hryvnias, and in 2024 this amount increased to 10.5 million.
The museum needed a new minibus, as one of its vehicles was transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the other was written off due to technical malfunctions. Olga Shumovska explained that the vehicle was needed to transport exhibits, such as icons for restoration, as well as to carry out work assignments and delegations.
However, the regional military administration did not approve the purchase, considering it inappropriate in the context of the war. The deputy head of the Transcarpathian Military Administration, Yuriy Huzynets, noted that such expenses should be directed to more important needs, such as supporting the military or repairing the museum's roof. He also added that the museum's management will be held disciplinary liable for conducting the tender without the consent of the administration and other relevant bodies.
Despite the cancellation of the tender, Shumovska noted that the museum has other pressing problems, including roof repairs, for which there is still no permission from the regional council to order design and estimate documentation.
Thus, an attempt to update the vehicle fleet to improve the museum's operations caused a public outcry, and this initiative was canceled, although the issue of repairing the building remains open.
