Zazymia Territorial Community

History

The development of the community’s villages dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus, although archaeological findings show that people lived here even earlier. 

The territory of the modern Brovary Raion along the left bank of the Desna River has the remains of Trypillian culture settlements. In the village of Litochky, part of the Zalissia National Nature Park, there are traces of an ancient settlement that still remains poorly explored, although its location on the high bank of the Desna River indicates its possible strategic importance in ancient times. 

Not far away, between the villages of Litky and Litochky, is the largest river island in Ukraine – Liubychiv. Its lands have probably never been used by humans, making it a unique nature reserve with untouched meadows, old-growth trees and rich fauna.

In the middle of the ninth century, Kyivan Rus was formed, which included the Brovary region, which was then called ‘Podesennia’. In the 12th century, this territory became the scene of a struggle between the princes of Kyiv and Chernihiv. The forests around the Desna were rich in wildlife, berries and mushrooms, and the Desna floodplains provided fertile pastures and numerous fish-rich reservoirs. That is why these lands attracted princes and their wives for hunting and fishing.

According to historical documents, the village of Zazymia has deep historical roots. In the 20s of the 12th century, a settlement was founded, which was called Zazymovie, later transformed into Zazymia. The name comes from the settlement’s location “za zymovym dvorom kniazia” (‘behind the prince’s winter court’).

In 1240, Prydesennia, like the rest of Rus, was subjected to a devastating attack by the Mongol-Tatars. Later, in the fourteenth century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania began to reclaim these lands from the Tatars. In 1362, the present-day territory of the community became part of the Lithuanian principality. However, during this period, Crimean Tatars frequently raided the Kyiv region. In 1494, the Crimean Tatars devastated the territory between Kyiv and Chernihiv, destroying Zazymia to the ground. It was only in 1615 that the restored settlement was mentioned.

By 1875, the construction of a three-altar church in honour of the Resurrection of Christ in the centre of the village, decorated with yellow brick masonry, was completed. The old wooden church was moved to the neighbouring village of Pohreby, where it stood until the arrival of the Bolsheviks.

Thus, the history of Zazymia reflects the general history of Prydesennia – from the times of Kyivan Rus, through princely strife, the Mongol-Tatar invasion, Lithuanian rule, to the subsequent events of Ukrainian history.

Economy and Welfare

The community is favourably located near Kyiv, which makes it attractive for business. Many warehouses and end-user-oriented businesses are located here. 

Before the full-scale war, the largest enterprise was a branch of Brovary-based PNVK INTERBUSINESS, which specialised in the production of chicken and eggs, and is now actively resuming its operations.

Near-term plans include the construction of new facilities for the production of bathroom furniture and doors. 

In addition, new supermarkets, a concrete production facility, a fitness centre, a tennis club and other social facilities have appeared in the community in recent years.

The economic development of the community is supported by the existence of Master Plans for most villages and a Strategic Development Plan. This contributes to population growth and active construction of new residential areas.

In particular, two residential complexes have already been commissioned in Zazymia village, two more are under construction in Rozhny, and one is under construction in Pohreby. We are also currently discussing a project for a new apartment building.

The Community and the War

Even before the full-scale invasion began, the community was actively preparing for possible resistance. Since 24 February 2022, armed self-defence units have been established in the villages of the community, which have become one of the best volunteer formations in Ukraine.

Residents of the community actively supported the Ukrainian military in repelling Russian troops in Kyiv Oblast, where the enemy approached the community’s borders. The community helped evacuate residents of the occupied neighbouring territories.

The humanitarian aid was sent to internally displaced persons and transferred to residents of de-occupied neighbouring communities. Currently, more than 500 residents of the community serve in the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

An attack by a hostile Shahed drone damaged a municipal building, which houses the village council’s departments, disrupting the work of local government. In addition, private homes suffered even more serious damage: windows were smashed, door structures were damaged, ceilings and other parts of the buildings collapsed.

Fortunately, all the residents survived, although some sustained injuries of varying severity. The local authorities and emergency services responded promptly to the situation, providing the necessary assistance to the victims and organising the restoration of the damaged facilities.

Community People

The community is headed by Vitalii Krupenko. Despite his young age, he has managed to unite the community, local business, the council and the administrative staff around a common goal – community development

During the full-scale invasion, he demonstrated leadership by meeting the defence needs of the community and creating a safe environment for residents. He was directly involved in the evacuation of residents of the occupied neighbouring communities, personally accompanying the ‘’living corridor‘’. Open to dialogue and constructive criticism, he is actively working to improve the business environment, strengthen the community’s financial capacity and establish international cooperation.

The community is rich in outstanding personalities in sports and culture. Famous athletes live and work here, including Andrii Vorobei, a participant in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and Dmytro Lovchynskyi, a participant in the 2024 Olympic Games. Ukrainian singer Tina Karol lives here.

Volunteerism plays an important role in community life. ‘Volontery Prydesennia’ association actively supports the military and participates in the organisation of annual festivals in the village of Pohreby – ‘Stars on Holiday’ and ‘Patriot Family Fest’. 

Popular sports in the community include football, volleyball and boxing, which promotes an active lifestyle and involvement of young people in sports.

Development Strategy

In 2024, the Zazymia Community approved a Strategic Development Plan aimed at creating comfortable living, working and recreational conditions. The main areas of community development are economic growth, social welfare and environmental safety.

The community’s key projects include developing tourism, improving the investment climate, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating conditions for opening new businesses. An important task is the construction of a modern Administrative Service Centre, which will expand the range of services available to residents.

The community pays special attention to international cooperation, establishing partnerships with European communities to share experiences and implement joint projects. The Zazymia Community is open to new opportunities and strives for sustainable development in all areas of life.

Sources

• Official website of the Zazymia Community: zotg.gov.ua
• Dmytro Lovchynskyi’s Facebook page: facebook.com
• YouTube channel KRYVOBOK: youtube.com
• Website of the Retailers Association of Ukraine: rau.ua
• Facebook page of the Resurrection Church in the village of Zazymia: facebook.com/zazimye.church