Orikhiv Territorial Сommunity

History

The Orikhiv Community has a rich historical and cultural heritage that covers both urban and rural areas. Founded in 1775, the community quickly became an important trade and economic centre in the region. 

Orikhiv received the status of a city back in 1801, making it the first settlement in the modern Zaporizhzhia Oblast with this status.

The architectural heritage of the community is striking in its diversity. Among the most interesting sights is the estate of the merchant Heinrich Jantzen, where the city council is now located. This building is an example of early twentieth-century architecture and reflects the development of the city in the era of industrialisation. 

In addition, the Raion Museum of Local Lore, the building of the former women’s gymnasium and the post office are also important elements of the community’s history.

The natural attractions of the Orikhiv Community also deserve attention. Picturesque landscapes and the river create favourable conditions for outdoor recreation. The local nature reserves are home to numerous species of flora and fauna, which attracts outdoor and active tourism enthusiasts.

Prior to the full-scale invasion, the community was actively developing, providing new opportunities for tourism and preserving cultural heritage, making it attractive to visitors and helping to maintain a connection with the history and nature of the region.

Economy and Welfare

Prior to the full-scale invasion, the economy of the Orikhiv Community was developing steadily, relying on entrepreneurship, agriculture and service sectors. 

There were 818 registered business entities in the community, most of which were individual entrepreneurs. 

An important role was played by agriculture. An extensive retail network with more than 250 outlets and an active service sector provided the community with everything it needed.

After 24 February 2022, the war dealt a devastating blow to the community’s economy. Many businesses have ceased operations due to the ongoing hostilities. At the same time, some industries continued to operate even during the war. Priorities remain the construction and repair of agricultural machinery, the food industry, textile production, and the manufacture of food products from local agricultural products.

Among these enterprises is Orikhiv Agrotech Agricultural Machinery Plant LLC, which specialises in the production of highly efficient machinery for the agricultural sector. The plant’s products include harrows, cultivators and grain throwers, which help farmers to cultivate land and harvest crops faster and more efficiently. Despite the war, the company continues to operate, supporting Ukrainian farmers.

Despite the destruction, the community does not give up. Some businesses have managed to relocate to Zaporizhzhia and resume operations, including medical facilities, agricultural enterprises and agricultural machinery manufacturers. In times of war, businesses adapt to new realities, demonstrating resilience and willingness to revive the community after victory.

The Community and the War

Orikhiv, located in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has been on the frontline for almost three years, constantly under fire from Russian troops.

At the beginning of the large-scale invasion, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stopped the Russian army’s advance only six kilometres from the city limits. Since then, Orikhiv has been subjected to daily artillery and air strikes, which has led to the destruction of about 97% of the city’s infrastructure. Not a single high-rise building or institution remained intact, and the private residential sector was heavily damaged.

The appearance of Orikhiv is changing every day: enemy artillery, bombs and multiple launch rocket systems destroy houses, destroy roofs, and leave craters in the place of once busy streets. The city sounds like constant explosions, the whistle of shells and the voice of resistance from the Ukrainian army. Due to daily shelling, local residents live in constant fear and uncertainty.

On 9 July 2023, Russian troops struck a residential area in Orikhiv with a guided aerial bomb during the distribution of humanitarian aid. As a result, seven people were killed. Eleven more residents received injuries of varying severity and were hospitalised. The school building where the aid was distributed was almost completely destroyed.

Due to the intense hostilities, some local government employees were forced to move to Zaporizhzhia, where they continue to perform their duties. The other part remained in Orikhiv, supporting the city’s vital functions in the face of constant danger. 

The Orikhiv Multidisciplinary Intensive Care Hospital, a municipal non-profit enterprise, has also relocated to Zaporizhzhia, where medical staff are providing assistance to all those in need. The community’s educational institutions have switched to a distance mode of operation, ensuring the continuity of the educational process for children.

Despite the constant shelling and significant destruction, Orikhiv keeps on living. The locals have shown incredible resilience and courage, supporting each other and believing in the recovery of their city after the victory.

Community People

Mykola Vinichenko is the Head of the Orikhiv City Military Administration, a native of Orikhiv. His professional career public taken him through various senior positions in local government and public authorities. From the beginning of the war, he not only organised the defence of the city, but also ensured stability in the most difficult times. Under his leadership, the community is actively working, even during the shelling, implementing projects to support people, such as volunteer events, assistance to IDPs and infrastructure restoration.

In these difficult times, when the community of Orikhiv is at war, those who continue to devote their energy to the benefit of people despite the circumstances remain important pillars. Ihor Bielkin and Iryna Poltoratska are among these fearless and dedicated people. Not only did they show professionalism and resilience during these challenges, but they also became symbols of courage and bravery for other members of the community.

Ihor Belkin is an experienced doctor who has gained unquestioned authority among the medical community and the population of Orikhiv. His resilience and professionalism during the war became a true role model for his colleagues. He was awarded the Order of St Panteleimon for his selfless work during the war and the fight for the health of Ukrainians.

Iryna Poltoratska is the chief engineer of the Orikhivskyi Vodokanal, a utility company that ensures the community’s livelihoods despite constant shelling. Her efforts in supporting the water supply and the work of the Points of Invincibility were highly appreciated, and in August 2023, Iryna received the Cross of Civil Merit award.

Development Strategy

The Orikhiv City Territorial Community, which is now located in Zaporizhzhia after being forced to relocate due to the war, is trying to maintain and even strengthen its key areas of development. 

The community actively supports businesses and organisations that have managed to resume their operations in the new environment, and focuses on such priorities as agriculture, engineering, including agricultural machinery, and healthcare.

The Orikhiv Community Development Strategy was approved in December 2019. It included specific steps for the coming years:

Human capital development, which included raising the educational level and professional training of local residents;

Improving the quality of life and ensuring security for citizens, both in peacetime and in times of crisis;

Creating a competitive economy based on local resources and innovation;

Preserving natural resources and ensuring environmental safety of the community.

Despite the current difficulties, the community does not stop in its efforts and, after the end of hostilities, intends to return to the previous strategic directions of development, taking into account the new challenges and changes brought by the conflict. The Orikhiv Community aims not only to restore its economic and social condition, but also to become an example of resilience, adaptability and innovative approaches in the post-war recovery.

 Sources

• Development Strategy of the Orikhiv City Amalgamated Territorial Community until 2027
• Archival materials of the Orikhiv Museum of Local Lore
• Analytical data and information from the departments of the executive committee of Orikhiv City Council