Vashkovetska Territorial Community

Chernivtsi
Population:

The Vashkivtsi Community is located in the western part of Ukraine, in Chernivtsi Oblast. The total area of the community is 58.67 sq. km. The Vashkivtsi Community consists of 4 rural settlements.

As of 25 March 2025, the population of the community is 5052 people.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs): 25.

History

Vashkivtsi is a picturesque village with a rich history and fertile lands, first mentioned on 22 August 1651. A significant contribution to its development was made by the landlord Kazymir, thanks to whom the village became progressive and culturally active. The St Michael’s Orthodox Church, built in 1888 at the expense of Kostiantyn Kazymir, is an architectural and spiritual adornment of the village. On its territory there is a unique crypt-mausoleum – an important historical monument of the community.

St. Michael's Orthodox Church
St. Michael's Orthodox Church Source
Crypt resembling a mausoleum
Crypt resembling a mausoleum Source

On 9 August 1990, in the village of Shyshkivtsi of the Vashkivtsi Community, a new Orthodox church was consecrated – the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This shrine became an important spiritual centre for all believers, continuing Orthodox traditions and strengthening the religious life of the community.

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Shyshkivtsi village
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Shyshkivtsi village Source

Another important place in the community is the Monument of the Grieving Mother in the village of Vashkivtsi – a symbol of eternal memory and respect for those who perished during the years of the Second World War. Installed in 1970, it immortalises the names of 204 fellow villagers who gave their lives for peace. This memorial reminds of the tragic pages of history and calls to preserve the memory of those who did not return from the war.

And nearby there are stands with photographs of the modern defenders of Ukraine in the largest war in Europe since the Second World War, unleashed by Russia attacking Ukraine.

Place of memory of fallen fellow villagers in the Second World War and in the modern Russo-Ukrainian war
Place of memory of fallen fellow villagers in the Second World War and in the modern Russo-Ukrainian war

Economy and Welfare

The Vashkivtsi Community has developed infrastructure and is actively engaged in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

There are 7 agricultural enterprises and 4 farms operating in the community. The main activity is crop production, in particular the cultivation of grain crops. Horticulture is also well developed: Community residents grow vegetables, fruits, fruit and ornamental tree seedlings, berry bushes and flowers. Animal husbandry is not developed in the community.

There are 27 retail outlets operating in the community.

In addition, there are two sawmills and five catering establishments operating in the community, which contributes to the economic development of the region.

A sawmill is successfully operating in the village of Vashkivtsi, which is an important economic component of the Vashkivtsi Community.
A sawmill is successfully operating in the village of Vashkivtsi, which is an important economic component of the Vashkivtsi Community.

The Vashkivtsi Community has a well-developed network of grocery stores that provide residents with everything they need for everyday life. Part of the range consists of locally produced products – natural, homemade, preserving traditions of quality.

Fertile fields of the community
Fertile fields of the community

The Vashkivtsi Community is distinguished by active involvement in the agro-industrial sector. The basis of local agriculture is the cultivation of grain crops – this is one of the key industries, which provides jobs, supports the economy of the community and contributes to its sustainable development. Thanks to fertile soils and hardworking householders, the agrarian potential of the community grows every year.

Svarog West Group
Svarog West Group

Within the Vashkivtsi Community, the agribusiness “Swarog West Group” is active, specialising in crop cultivation. The company plays an important role in the local economy, introducing modern agritechnologies and creating jobs for residents.

Fertile orchards of the community
Fertile orchards of the community

The residents of the Vashkivtsi Community are actively involved in gardening, growing fruit trees, including apple, pear, plum and other crops. Many households maintain well-kept orchards that not only provide families with eco-friendly fruit but also bring additional income.

Wholesale market of the community
Wholesale market of the community

Vashkivtsi hosts one of Ukraine’s best-known wholesale markets for seedlings. Every year, buyers from all corners of the country flock here. The market offers a wide selection of fruit tree seedlings, ornamental shrubs, flowers and many other plants — all fresh, high-quality and proven by generations of experience. Vashkivtsi has long been a true centre of horticulture, where everyone can find something for their land and soul.

The community also has two rural libraries, two cultural centres, three schools and two pre-school educational institutions.

Vashkivtsi Lyceum, Vashkivtsi village
Vashkivtsi Lyceum, Vashkivtsi village
Pre-school “Veseli karuseli”, Vashkivtsi village
Pre-school “Veseli karuseli”, Vashkivtsi village
Shyshkivtsi Lyceum, Shyshkivtsi village
Shyshkivtsi Lyceum, Shyshkivtsi village
Centre for Culture and Leisure, Shyshkivtsi village
Centre for Culture and Leisure, Shyshkivtsi village
Pre-school “Kapitoshka”
Pre-school “Kapitoshka” Source
Library, Vashkivtsi village
Library, Vashkivtsi village

The Vashkivtsi Community is a centre of cultural heritage where tradition meets contemporary art. Cultural life is focused in the Houses of Culture in Vashkivtsi and Shyshkivtsi and the leisure venue in Nova Sloboda. Well-known local ensembles – Troisti Muzyky from Vashkivtsi and the Hora folk group from Shyshkivtsi – actively promote folk art and perform at festive events and competitions.

“Troisti Muzyky”, led by Pavlo Chumak and the artistic director of the Vashkivtsi House of Culture.
“Troisti Muzyky”, led by Pavlo Chumak and the artistic director of the Vashkivtsi House of Culture.
 Members of the Shyshkivtsi ensemble in traditional Ukrainian dress during a festive performance for Generous (Old New Year’s) Evening.
Members of the Shyshkivtsi ensemble in traditional Ukrainian dress during a festive performance for Generous (Old New Year’s) Evening.
“Troisti Muzyky” folk ensemble – the heart of a Ukrainian celebration
“Troisti Muzyky” folk ensemble – the heart of a Ukrainian celebration
24 August – Independence Day of Ukraine
24 August – Independence Day of Ukraine
Club and library in Shyshkivtsi. Literary readings: “Shevchenko is us, and we are Ukraine!”
Club and library in Shyshkivtsi. Literary readings: “Shevchenko is us, and we are Ukraine!”

Sport holds an important place in the Vashkivtsi Community. Football, volleyball and futsal teams actively compete at various levels, showing strong preparation, team spirit and the will to win.

A particular source of pride is participation in the nationwide project “Plich-o-plich” (“Shoulder to Shoulder”), which promotes physical culture and a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to such initiatives, sport not only develops but becomes part of community life, uniting young people and adults around the shared goal of being strong, active and healthy.

 Stage II of volleyball competitions among boys born in 2009 and younger within the nationwide “Plich-o-plich” project
Stage II of volleyball competitions among boys born in 2009 and younger within the nationwide “Plich-o-plich” project

The Community and the War

From the first days of the full-scale invasion, the Vashkivtsi Community pulled together to resist the aggressor. A total of 167 residents joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Others rallied to support our defenders and everyone in need. 

Charity concerts raised funds for the army; humanitarian aid was collected; essential kit, medicines and food were purchased for the military. Volunteers tirelessly wove camouflage nets, made trench candles and sent aid to the front.

Beyond supporting soldiers, the community opened its doors to displaced people, arranging temporary accommodation, providing necessary assistance and helping them adapt. 

Sadly, the community has suffered losses – 11 fellow villagers have been killed defending their homeland from the occupier. Nine residents of the community are also listed as missing.

Distribution of humanitarian aid
Distribution of humanitarian aid
Charity concert in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Wholesale seedling market, Vashkivtsi.
Charity concert in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine! Wholesale seedling market, Vashkivtsi.

People of the Community

The head of the Vashkivtsi Community is Ivan Yanko. He was first elected community head in 2020.

Under his leadership, the community is developing dynamically: a modern kitchen has been opened at Shyshkivtsi Lyceum; the school boiler room at Vashkivtsi Lyceum has been converted into a gym; and many important projects have been delivered. Work continues to improve comfort, education and well-being for residents.

Gym, Vashkivtsi
Gym, Vashkivtsi Source
Modern kitchen at Shyshkivtsi Lyceum
Modern kitchen at Shyshkivtsi Lyceum Source

The community is proud of talented people who were born here and began their journeys here – musicians, political and civic figures, and athletes among them. One example is athlete Mykhailo Moskovchuk, who set the Chernivtsi Oblast adult bench-press record at 210 kg – a record that still stands.

In 2018, at the “Open Cup of Western Regions of Ukraine”, Mykhailo Moskovchuk took first place in the bench press (also setting the Lviv Oblast record at 212.5 kg) and became the absolute champion.
In 2018, at the “Open Cup of Western Regions of Ukraine”, Mykhailo Moskovchuk took first place in the bench press (also setting the Lviv Oblast record at 212.5 kg) and became the absolute champion. Source

Development Strategy

The Vashkivtsi Community’s Sustainable Development Strategy sets out its aspirations and goals. 

Strategic Goal 1 — Economic development and attracting investment.
Strategic Goal 2 — Modern infrastructure and energy efficiency.
Strategic Goal 3 — High environmental and social standards.
Strategic Goal 4 — A cultural and educational centre of European standard.

The community plans to work actively with international partners, opening new horizons for learning, creativity and self-realisation, so that everyone can find their calling and contribute to our shared future.

Seminar under the project “Financial Transparency of Amalgamated Communities”, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands (MATRA programme), with the participation of Shyshkivtsi starosta Serhii Ruban.
Seminar under the project “Financial Transparency of Amalgamated Communities”, supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands (MATRA programme), with the participation of Shyshkivtsi starosta Serhii Ruban.
If you want to contact an Ukrainian community or have additional questions regarding the project please contact us: [email protected]