According to Smelyansky, he is “spoiled” by his American upbringing, where there is no emphasis on things. He noted that his outfit usually costs no more than $50, and his wardrobe does not contain expensive branded items.
“It’s not that I can’t afford it – it just doesn’t fit me,” he added.
The general director of Ukrposhti added that if someone says that with a salary of 70 thousand a month he maintains a country house and a car, he is lying, because this is impossible.
Smelyansky, who receives almost 600 thousand UAH per month after taxes, admitted that he donates a lot to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the fight against oncology and educational projects.
“I invest in the education and knowledge of children, because this is the best investment in the world. I invested over $200 thousand in my education in the USA and do not regret a single dollar. Nobody gave it to me, I took out a loan, which, by the way, I am still paying off. And in the same way I help children get a good education,” he said.
The head of Ukrposhti added that he does not spare money for impressions and emotions, traveling a lot, and saving part of the funds for retirement.
“It is useless to expect something from the state,” he explained.
“Everyone chooses for themselves how to spend money, especially if it is honestly earned. But stealing is not a good thing. And what was bought with stolen money is very noticeable,” he concluded.
Context
Igor Smelyansky was born in 1975 in Belgorod-Dnestrovskrom Odessa region. He has been heading Ukrposhta for almost 10 years.
In May 2025, Smelyansky reported that his salary as general director of Ukrposhti in 2024 was for the year 11.72 million UAH before tax.
Smelyansky indicated that he receives an additional payment of 15% for working with state secrets. He emphasized that from the beginning of 2022 he refused the bonus, although he had the right to it under the contract. During the year, 2,398,153 UAH of income tax and military duty were withheld from him. The head of the joint-stock company paid another approximately 2.1 million UAH in taxes in the USA, where he is a tax resident.
“By the way, these funds went to the federal budget, from which military assistance to Ukraine was allocated. So, after paying taxes, I received UAH 6,926,930, or UAH 577,244 on average per month,” says the post by the head of Ukrposhti.
Smelyansky is married to US citizen Natalie Myshkina. Spouses They are raising two children – sons Maxim and Igor. Smelyansky's family lives abroad.
In November 2025, Smelyansky said that he rents an apartment in Kyiv, does not have his own car and walks.
