Chaplynka Territorial Community

History of the Community

The fact that these territories were settled in ancient times is evidenced by the researched Scythian barrow burials of the 4th-2nd centuries BC, as well as antique products of that time. But the settlement of Chaplynka was founded in 1794 on the historic Chumaks’ Way, which ran from Kakhovka to Perekop. It was founded by 25 families of Poltava peasants, who were exiled by the tsarist authorities to the steppes of Northern Tavria for their participation in the Turbai Uprising. In the past, this area was swampy, so herons settled and howled their nests here, which gave the area its name (“чапля” (“chaplia”) translates as “heron” from Ukrainian into English).

By 1822, Chaplynka began to grow gradually. According to the accounts of eyewitnesses, the first years of life in the settlement were extremely difficult: due to the lack of wells, the residents had to transport water from the Dnipro on oxen. They engaged in agriculture, grew wheat, rye, barley, oats, and also raised sheep and other livestock.

Today, Chaplynka is one of the most picturesque towns of steppe Ukraine. The famous Ukrainian writer and playwright, representative of the “Executed Renaissance”, Mykola Kulish, who was born in Chaplynka, drew inspiration for his characters right here. He left a noticeable mark in Ukrainian literature, and in 1992, his 100th anniversary was celebrated under the auspices of UNESCO all over the world.

Over the centuries, Chaplynka witnessed numerous historical events that shaped its unique character and culture. Despite all the difficulties and trials, the community has preserved its identity, becoming an example of resilience and devotion to its land.

Nowadays, Chaplynka fights every day to preserve its historical heritage. Despite the occupation of the community since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the leadership team is working on finding new opportunities, working with European partners to ensure a better future for its residents.

Economy and Welfare

The Chaplynka community is actively working on identifying development challenges and finding effective tools to solve them, preparing and implementing economic development projects.

Before the full-scale invasion, various entities functioned on the territory of the community, being mainly focused on agriculture.

The Chaplynka agro-industrial complex has a powerful potential and a significant impact on the economic, material and social well-being of the community. A special role is played by the company “Alfa-Agro” which implements modern technologies in the conditions of the steppe zone, in particular, irrigation for the cultivation of corn, soybeans, flax, wheat, barley, sunflower and other crops.

A special place in the economy of the community was occupied by the Chaplynka Butter and Cheese Factory founded on July 1, 1960.

Initially, it was a state-owned milk processing enterprise, which was later transformed into a private joint-stock company. The plant specializes in the production of high-quality craft cheeses. Over the past 15 years, the enterprise has developed 11 new types of cheeses out of 27 produced. All products are produced free of GMOs and vegetable oils, which makes each head of cheese not just a product, but a real work of art. The production of in-house cheeses is an art, and each head of elite cheese, ripening for more than two months, is a masterpiece.

The products of enterprises of the Chaplynka community are known not only in the district and region, but also far beyond their borders, gaining recognition both at the national and international levels.

Community and War

From February 24, 2022, the settlement of Chaplynka was temporarily occupied by the russian invaders, which caused serious changes in the life of the community. At 10:00 a.m. the same day, the occupying forces seized the administrative building of the Settlement Council, effectively establishing their control over the community.

At 10:00 a.m. on February 24, 2022, an air battle between the Ukrainian Air Force and russian troops took place over the village of Chorna Dolyna, which became one of the first battles of the full-scale invasion. Heroic defense in the sky was carried out by Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Zhybrov and Captain Oleksandr Shcherbakov, who gave their lives defending the Ukrainian land.

Footage of the air battle of February 24, 2024 of the Ukrainian Air Force and russian troops over the village of Chorna Dolyna

Lieutenant-Colonel Oleksandr Zhybrov, an experienced pilot and leader, together with Captain Oleksandr Shcherbakov, showed unprecedented courage and professionalism, confronting significantly superior enemy forces. This air battle became a symbol of invincibility and self-sacrifice of Ukrainian defenders who defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Courage and devotion of Lieutenant Colonel Zhybrov and Captain Shcherbakov will forever be etched in the memory of the community and the entire country as an example of heroism and love for the Motherland. Their feat inspires and gives strength to everyone who continues the struggle for the freedom of Ukraine.

Residents of the Chaplynka community also showed indomitable courage and resisted the invaders by peaceful means. In response to the occupation and violence, the residents went to a rally of invincibility, demonstrating their loyalty to Ukraine. They marched in an organized manner through the central streets of the settlement to the location of the occupying forces, chanting pro-Ukrainian slogans. This act reflected the strength and coherence of the community in the pursuit of freedom.

On March 7, 2022, local residents gathered for another peaceful rally, protesting against the occupation forces. However, the occupiers tried to disperse the gathering and opened fire on the peaceful demonstrators, injuring two residents.

In May 2023, russian forces launched a missile attack on the residential sector, damaging several buildings and completely destroying the premises of the Treasury Service.

On November 3, 2023, as a result of powerful explosions caused by the russian occupation authorities, the building of the local employment center was completely destroyed. The tragedy resulted in the death of eight people and wounding of another eight.

Throughout the occupation, terror has continued in the community. The occupation authorities resort to forced passporting of the population, confiscation of property, and also restrict access to medical services. Cases of kidnapping and illegal detention of people are constantly recorded. The troops of the russian federation are randomly shelling the civilian infrastructure, the residential sector and administrative buildings, which creates additional threats to the safety and lives of people.

The situation in the Chaplynka community remains tense, but its residents do not lose hope for liberation and restoration of peaceful life in their native settlement.

People of the Community

Today, the Chaplynka community is headed by Viacheslav Myroshnychenko, the head of the Chaplynka settlement military administration.

Now the community is governed from the city of Kryvyi Rih, which became a refuge for many forced migrants from the Chaplynka community.

On the initiative of Viacheslav Myroshnychenko, the Humanitarian Headquarters was created under the settlement military administration. This headquarters establishes cooperation with Ukrainian and foreign charitable foundations, delivers aid to de-occupied population centers and organizes the delivery of humanitarian aid both in the city of Kryvyi Rih and in other cities of Ukraine.

The Chaplynka community received a backhoe loader as part of the project of emergency response to challenges caused by the armed aggression of the russian federation, with the support of international partners. The community also has two powerful 33 KW generators at its disposal, which are stored in the city of Kryvyi Rih until the de-occupation of the Chaplynka community.

The Chaplynka settlement military administration has approved the Program for the support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units and volunteer formations for 2023-2025, which is financed in the amount of UAH 700,000.00. This program is aimed at increasing defense capabilities and supporting local defenders.

Before the war, Chaplynka was known as the cultural and sports center of the Kherson region, with great prospects for the development of these areas. Such sports as football and volleyball were cultivated in the settlement, and the teams of the Chaplynka community repeatedly became winners of regional and regional competitions. To provide the population with the necessary conditions for the development of sports abilities, a football field with artificial turf and a skate park for young people were opened after reconstruction in 2020.

The Chaplynka community is also known for its festivals and competitions, which attracted groups from all over the country. Every year, the Chaplynka collectives took part in various competitions, festivals and fairs, demonstrating their skill and creative potential.

To ensure convenient conditions for the provision of services to entrepreneurs and residents of the community, a modern Administrative Services Center was built in the settlement of Chaplynka, which provided about 140 administrative services. The center became an important hub meeting the needs of the community, contributing to the development and improvement of the quality of life of the residents. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed by russian troops.

 Development Strategy

After the complete de-occupation, the Chaplynka settlement territorial community plans to implement a set of measures aimed at the restoration and development of the territories. The main task will be the reconstruction of destroyed residential buildings, social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, and ensuring the availability of housing for those affected by the hostilities. Urban reconstruction plans will be developed and implemented in parallel, introducing modern standards and technologies to improve safety and environmental efficiency.

To attract investors, the community will create a favorable investment climate by providing tax incentives and simplified procedures for obtaining permits. An important part of the strategy is the presentation of attractive investment projects in the fields of agro-industry, renewable energy and tourism.

To support small and medium-sized businesses, it is planned to provide microloans and subsidies, as well as to create business incubators and co-working spaces which will contribute to the development of new business initiatives. The restoration of industrial enterprises and the modernization of infrastructure, in particular roads, electricity networks and water supply, will increase economic activity and create new jobs.

Investing in education and science, supporting scientific and innovative projects, as well as improving the skills of residents will be an important direction of development. In addition, the community will provide access to quality medical, social and cultural services, creating conditions for improving the quality of life of its residents.

Thanks to these steps, the Chaplynka settlement territorial community strives to become a modern, innovative and safe region that will serve as an example of recovery and development for other affected communities of Ukraine.

List of Sources

• Chaplynka, Chaplynka District, Kherson Region. History of towns and villages of the Ukrainian SSR (ukrssr.com.ua)
• facebook.com
• www.facebook.com

• CHAPLYNKA BUTTER AND CHEESE FACTORY PJSC | 2, Belinskoho Street, settlement of Chaplynka, Chaplynka District, Kherson Region | 00447617 (b-g.ua)
• Ihor Brahinets : you need to get 9 hryvnias of profit for 1 hryvnia invested — KURKUL (kurkul.com)
• Representatives of the Chaplynka community became 2nd degree laureates of the  regional competition of folk song ensembles, vocal ensembles and small vocal forms “Singing Rainbow of the Kherson Region” (khoda.gov.ua)