Olevsk Territorial Community

History

The territory of modern Olevsk was inhabited as early as the 4th millennium BC, as evidenced by the found flint tools of the Neolithic period. According to the conclusion of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the town was founded in the 8th century. The first known documentary mention dates back to 1473, when the Kyiv boyar Pyrkhailo asked King Casimir IV for the Olevsk volost for maintenance.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Olevsk belonged to the Nemyrych family, who later became the owners of the entire volost. As early as 1545, the villages around Olevsk, owned by Josip Nemyrych, were assigned to the Ovruch Castle. After the Union of Lublin in 1569, Olevsk, as part of Right-Bank Ukraine, came under Polish rule, and already in 1641 the Polish king granted Olevsk Magdeburg rights, allowing weekly trades and two fairs per year.

According to the Truce of Andrusovo of 1667, Olevsk remained part of Poland, and in 1793, Olevsk, as part of Right-Bank Ukraine, was reunited with the Russian Empire.

At the end of the 19th century, large-scale drainage works began in the Olevsk area. This made it possible to lay a railway, build a porcelain factory, and gave impetus to the development of the town.

Among the unique monuments of antiquity in Olevsk, a stone temple has been preserved. The monument is a rare example of sacred stone architecture of the 16th century in the Zhytomyr region. The original layout and interior elements are well preserved. The temple still receives its believers today.

On the territory of Olevsk, archaeologists found a Drevlyan settlement of the 8th century with a unique hydrological structure – a well of the 9th century. The lower three log cabins have survived to our time without damage. They consist of logs and half-logs of stained oak. At the bottom of the well, numerous ceramic materials and individual items were found.

In 1941, Olevsk was the center of the Olevsk Republic, led by Ataman Taras Borovets. At that time, the UNR government in exile planned to form independent Ukraine from separate republics. The republic lasted three months.

The Olevsk area is also famous for an incredible natural wonder – the geological reserve “Kaminne Selo”, which is shrouded in mystical legends. Visitors from all over the world come to this place to get impressions and fill themselves with energy.

Economy and Welfare

About 1,200 business entities operate in the community, usually small and medium-sized businesses. Given that 73% of the community is covered with forests, most enterprises specialize in woodworking and forestry. There are also business entities engaged in construction, production of building materials, agriculture, trade, catering, and hotel services.

The community has land plots at its disposal that are potentially attractive for investment. This is especially relevant given the short- and medium-term expectations of good transport accessibility.

From the point of view of economic development, the community may also be of interest to tourists traveling to the Druzhbivskyi Quarry, the Polissia Nature Reserve, the Kaminne Selo Nature Reserve, the Babyna Hora tract, etc.

There are 56 cultural institutions (clubs, libraries, culture houses, etc.), 52 healthcare facilities, and 37 education institutions operating in the community.

Community and War

During the full-scale invasion, the Olevsk community became an active and driving force in supporting the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The town’s authorities, volunteers, private entrepreneurs, and local residents stepped up and joined forces in this effort.

The Olevsk community constantly organizes charitable events in support of the military. The proceeds are used to purchase cars, drones, electronic warfare equipment, thermal imagers, garments, and much more for the defenders of the state. The Olevsk Town Council also adopted the National Resistance and Territorial Defense Program, which allows for the allocation of budget funds for these purposes.

Despite its close proximity to the border with the Republic of Belarus, the Olevsk community constantly provides shelter and care for internally displaced persons. Currently, 625 Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes due to the war live in the community.

Separately, the Olevsk community collects and sends humanitarian aid to residents of the affected regions and de-occupied territories. The Town Mayor, Serhii Lysytskyi, is also directly engaged in trips to the frontline territories. In total, about 20 loads of aid have already been sent to the affected communities of Ukraine.

Community People

Mayor Serhii Lysytskyi has led the community for four years facing the most difficult challenges in the recent history of our state – the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale war.

Despite the difficult circumstances, the mayor took responsibility for protecting and supporting the community, implementing effective measures to preserve the health and safety of residents.

Today, the main goal for the community leader is to continue the development of all population centers, strengthen infrastructure, and create conditions for a better life for each resident. His vision is a community that supports youth, preserves traditions, and opens the door to innovation.

Development Strategy

The main priorities for community development are the development of small and medium-sized businesses, energy efficiency and energy independence, the development of green tourism, and the creation of an industrial park.

The community also strives to be a “child-friendly” community as part of its strategy.

The community has a sister city in Poland – the community of Gmina Toszek.

The effective activities of the Olevsk community are based on strategic planning. The Olevsk Town Council adopted a community development strategy until 2027.

List of Sources

• Official website of the Olevsk Town Council olevsk-gromada.gov.ua
• Public Relations Department’s own sources.