Kurne Municipality

Zhytomyr region
Priorities
  • Circular economy & waste management
  • Civil defence
  • Education
  • Energy transition
  • Sustainable rural development
  • Type: Rural
  • Population: 7.688
  • IDP: 152

The municipality is interested in partnerships with municipalities and organisations that have experience in the fields of energy efficiency, civil defence, and the modernisation of domestic waste management systems.
On its part, Kurne Municipality is ready to share practical experience of functioning under martial law: ensuring energy resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, organising logistics and the work of local self-government bodies in crisis situations, as well as developing education and healthcare under conditions of limited resources.

People of the community

The municipality is headed by Leonid Korzun — a manager who combines a strategic vision for development with a constant presence among the people. His working style is characterised by openness, dialogue with residents, and practical solutions that meet the real needs of the community.
During his leadership, a number of important projects have been implemented in the municipality: improving the lives of residents, repairing local roads, modernising educational and cultural institutions, and developing sports. Additionally, the municipality actively attracts grant funds and participates in international cooperation programmes.
With the start of the war, the municipality, led by Leonid Korzun, promptly mobilised resources to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and internally displaced persons. Humanitarian headquarters were organised, and the reception and accommodation of people who were forced to leave their homes were ensured. Residents of the municipality actively participate in volunteer activities, weaving camouflage nets, and collecting aid for the military.
Despite the difficult circumstances, active social life continues in the municipality. Cultural and patriotic events are traditionally held, state holidays are celebrated, and charity fairs are organised to support the army. Events that unite the community occupy a special place: Village Days, educational and sporting initiatives that promote cohesion and mutual support.
Life in the municipality before the war was filled with development, cooperation, and plans for the future. Today, these plans have transformed into resilience, mutual assistance, and faith in victory. The people of the municipality are its main value, and the leadership of the Head helps to maintain unity and move confidently forward even in the most difficult times.

Head of the Municipality Leonid Korzun at the All-Ukrainian Forum "Preschool Education of Ukraine: Path of Changes, Opportunities and Joint Decisions" Source
Report of the Head to the population

The community and the war

Kurne Territorial Municipality met the full-scale invasion with great determination and solidarity. At the beginning of the war, the municipality organised a coordination centre to collect information on the needs of the population and provide assistance to internally displaced persons. A humanitarian headquarters was established, where social workers and volunteers packed and distributed food, medicine, warm clothing, and essential items for residents and displaced persons.
Despite the absence of direct combat destruction in the municipality’s settlements, the war brought significant challenges: interruptions in energy supply, increased pressure on social and medical services, and the need for psychological support for residents. Local authorities and the community quickly organised heating points for people left without warmth.
The municipality pays special attention to stories of solidarity. Local residents, entrepreneurs, and activists united to create posts to protect the municipality’s villages. Everyone worked together to supply the front, help affected families, and support military units. There are instances where residents personally repaired equipment for communal services or raised funds for the treatment of the wounded. Schoolchildren and students joined volunteer initiatives, making warm clothes and protective gear for the military.
The municipality actively documents its own work and is ready to share its experience with other communities.  We have established coordination between volunteers, local authorities, and humanitarian organisations to increase the efficiency of resource distribution and support the most vulnerable groups of the population.

Handover of a vehicle to support the AFU
Weaving camouflage nets

Priorities

Circular economy & waste management

The modernisation of the waste management system is one of the municipality’s strategic priorities, contributing to environmental sustainability and more efficient resource use.

Civil defence

Kurne Municipality focuses on strengthening community security and civil defence, aiming to improve preparedness, safety, and resilience in difficult conditions.

Education

The municipality supports the development of education and sports and created a modern socio-cultural space where trainings, workshops, educational events, and youth clubs are organised, promoting inclusive learning opportunities for residents of all ages.

Energy transition

The municipality prioritises energy efficiency and the introduction of alternative energy sources to improve infrastructure resilience and support sustainable development.

Sustainable rural development

Sustainable rural development is reflected in the municipality’s support for local economic development and small business, as well as through investments in social infrastructure, cultural spaces, and social protection services that improve quality of life and strengthen community cohesion.

History

The territory of the municipality has deep historical roots and a favourable location. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the “Sokolivskyi Kliuch” was formed here. This was an association of several settlements where local crafts actively developed, particularly potash production and the operation of water mills.
The municipality historically developed along an important trade route between Zhytomyr and Zviahel, known as the “old path,” which has partially been preserved to this day. In the middle of the 19th century, a new road was laid, which today is part of the “Kyiv–Chop” highway.
Natural resources also played an important role in development, particularly the Tnia River, which facilitated logistics and economic activity.
Despite historical changes and challenges, and being owned by various landowners, the territory has maintained its economic activity and significance as a local centre. Today, the municipality combines a historically formed network of settlements, a favourable location, and potential for developing partnerships and joint projects.
In the modern Kurne Municipality, sport has become part of everyday life. There are not only children’s and youth sports schools and school competitions but also clubs for adults and veterans. Football, volleyball, kettlebell lifting, and table tennis are combined with charity — during tournaments, funds are raised for the needs of the municipality and to support the military.
For children and youth, a modern approach is used: in addition to the usual sections, orienteering competitions, mini-marathons, and quests are held. This helps to develop not only physical fitness but also logic, team spirit, and a love for the native land.
The municipality also creates spaces where sport is combined with cultural events. For example, in the village of Kurne, a modern area for training, children’s activities, and holidays has been established.
Thus, in Kurne Municipality, sport is not just a competition, but a way to unite people, support one another, and develop the community.

Folk amateur women's ensemble "Velykoluhivchanka"
Participants of the competitions "Side by Side. All-Ukrainian School Leagues"
Dutch-style windmill, built by a German settler in the village of Strybizh, Zhytomyr region

Economy and Welfare

The municipality is home to 3,945 women and 3,543 men (data as of 01.01.2026).
The basis of the municipality’s economy is the agrarian sector.  The primary directions of local business activity are in agriculture.
In the agrarian sector, the municipality actively implements modern technologies that increase production productivity and environmental friendliness. Small and medium-sized enterprises in the trade and services sectors are also actively developing, serving both the municipality’s population and the surrounding regions.
An example of such an enterprise is “USS COMPANY” LLC, one of the leading agrarian enterprises of Kurne Municipality, which has operated stably since 2008. The main activity of the enterprise is focused on the cultivation of cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, as well as the development of livestock farming. The enterprise carries out comprehensive agricultural activities, including land cultivation, feed production, post-harvest processing of products, and wholesale trade. Thanks to the diversification of its work and effective management, the company demonstrates stable economic indicators and ensures revenue for the local budget. The company plays an important role in the development of the municipality’s agrarian sector, contributes to job creation, and supports the local economy, whilst also possessing potential for further production expansion and participation in investment projects.
The territory of Kurne Territorial Municipality has rich mineral deposits. There are pegmatite deposits covering 15 hectares — these are minerals of national importance.
The main crops grown on the sown areas are: soya, maize, winter and spring cereals, buckwheat, millet, and legumes (soya, beans). Natural conditions allow for berry farming and the cultivation of vegetables with moderate use of irrigation, which reduces the cost of the respective products. A significant amount of forest — 19% — and a relatively clean environment create favourable conditions for the development of recreation, strengthened by the presence of water resources comfortable for people.
The municipality pays significant attention to welfare projects. In the field of education, programmes for the modernisation of schools and kindergartens are being implemented, ensuring access to modern educational technologies and resources. In the healthcare sphere, projects to improve access to primary healthcare, update equipment, and provide transport for medical services are being realised. Furthermore, the municipality actively supports social initiatives aimed at the development of culture, sports, and infrastructure for the leisure of residents.

Agricultural enterprise "USS COMPANY" LLC in Kurne Municipality
Renovated school of the municipality

Sources

[email protected]
https://kurnenska-gromada.gov.ua
https://www.facebook.com/kurnetg
https://t.me/kurnetg

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