Verkhniodniprovsk Territorial Community

History

The town of Verkhniodniprovsk, the administrative centre of the community, was founded in 1779 as the settlement of Hryhorivka. It received its modern name in 1806. However, the history of this land is much deeper – archaeological evidence indicates that the territory was inhabited as early as the 6th–7th centuries BC. The lands of Verkhniodniprovsk region remember the Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians and Roxolani. During the period of Kyivan Rus, guard posts functioned here to protect against raids of nomadic tribes. The legendary trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through the territory of the community.

In the 20th century, Verkhniodniprovsk region became an important agro-industrial region. In the 1980s, it was well known as a centre of grain and dairy production, as well as industrial potential with dozens of factories and plants.

The community was officially established in 2018 through the unification of the town of Verkhniodniprovsk and the Pershe Travnia Village Council. In 2019, the Pushkarivka Village Council joined, and the final formation of the community was completed in 2020 with the accession of two more town councils and seven village councils.

The community has preserved interesting historical and natural landmarks. Among them is the building of the district zemstvo administration in neo-Gothic style, which is a monument of local importance, and a Cossack mass grave from the 17th century, where about 300 Cossacks who died in the Northern War of 1709 are buried. 

Also located here is the Spring of the Nativity of John the Baptist – a hydrological natural monument. 

Near the village of Domotkan, one can see unique glacial boulders of pink granite with scratches, which appeared here during the Dnipro glaciation about 170–250 thousand years ago; their size reaches 5–6 metres. 

Another notable site is the “Architect’s Dacha” – an artistic complex in the style of a medieval castle, built by the local architect Mykola Khliapatura.

Economy and Welfare

On the territory of the Verkhniodniprovsk Community, there are 12 medium-sized and more than 150 small enterprises operating, representing various sectors: mechanical engineering, metalworking, refrigeration equipment, agriculture, trade, and services. The business environment of the community is dynamic, with a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Key enterprises:

• Dnipro Starch and Syrup Plant – the leading industrial enterprise of the community, specialising in the production of starch and related products. It exports to Spain.
• ASTRA – a manufacturer of refrigeration equipment, providing a full range of installation and maintenance services for large retail chains.
• Verkhniodniprovsk Car Repair Plant – production of vehicle bodies, trailers, and semi-trailers. It exports to Italy.
• Verkhniodniprovsk Machine-Building Plant – a manufacturer of wheelsets and components for railway transport. Export geography includes Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Latvia.
• Shliakh – produces pipeline valves, gears for diesel locomotives, and carries out metal machining, including brass parts.
• Verkhniodniprovsk Foundry and Mechanical Plant – production of cast metal products and sanitary engineering equipment.

Micro and craft businesses are actively developing in the community, including breweries, snail farms, and traditional wicker weaving workshops. There are also bases for green and active recreation, which attract tourists and contribute to the development of the local economy.

On the territory of the community, three relocated enterprises are operating, having moved their production from combat zones. The community provided them with organisational support, premises, and utilities, ensuring conditions for the restoration of their activities.

The Community and the War

The full-scale invasion of Russia radically changed the life of the entire Ukraine. The Verkhniodniprovsk Community, despite all challenges, did not stop – it went through difficult stages of transformation: from emergency response to recovery and development.

At the beginning of the war, the priority tasks were safety, evacuation, assistance to the population, and stabilisation of critical infrastructure. Humanitarian centres were organised, temporary accommodation points were created, and the basic needs of internally displaced persons were met. The community hosted more than 3,200 IDPs.

Later, the community began close cooperation with international and Ukrainian partners. Social infrastructure facilities were gradually restored, and the systems of education, healthcare, and housing stock were adapted to new conditions.

More than 420 war veterans are registered in the community. To support them, a modern Veteran Hub has been created and equipped, providing assistance in matters of rehabilitation, employment, psychological support, and educational opportunities. Relevant programmes are implemented in cooperation with state and international partners.

People of the Community

Hennadii Lebid has been the Mayor of Verkhniodniprovsk since 2020. 

In this difficult time for the country, under conditions of severely limited city resources and the urgent need for balanced and precise management decisions, Hennadii Lebid, from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, was able to clearly define the goals and directions for both the community’s defence capacity and the maintenance of life in the settlements. 

He actively contributed to the settlement of internally displaced persons in the community, organising and ensuring for people fleeing the war temporary accommodation, food, medical and psychological assistance.

The Verkhniodniprovsk Community is not just a territory, but above all its people. Strong, devoted, unbreakable. The community supports its residents who defend Ukraine. A special place in the history of the community belongs to those awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

Development Strategy

The Verkhniodniprovsk Community is working on creating a safe, innovative, and comfortable environment for living, education, business, and support of vulnerable groups of the population. 

Among the key challenges are: the integration of more than 3,000 internally displaced persons, rehabilitation and support of veterans, restoration of critical infrastructure, development of renewable energy, as well as providing rural settlements with quality drinking water. 

The strategic priorities of the community include security and civil protection, development of education and youth initiatives, expansion of the opportunities of the Veteran Hub, attracting international grants, partnership with the city of Bocholt (Germany), support for small and medium-sized businesses, tourism, as well as environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

Sources

• Website of the Verkhniodniprovsk Community
• Wikipedia
• Website Glavkom
• Website Fakty
• Facebook page Volunteer Movement of Verkhniodniprovshchyna
• Facebook page Family’s Star. Park Hotel
• Website of ASTRA LLC
• Facebook page Verkhniodniprovshchyna: History, Events, People
• Facebook page of NGO DIM.VDN