On Thursday, 20 February 2025, a meeting of the Pryluky Branch of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society took place at the Media Center Directorate in a hybrid format, both online and offline. More than 50 members of the organisation participated in the event.

At the beginning of the meeting, attendees explored an exhibition of books by distinguished members of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo, watched a film about the organisation’s activities, observed a demonstration of 3D-printed items for military needs, and had a unique opportunity to purchase membership badges.

The session commenced with the solemn performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine, followed by a moment of silence in honour of prominent figures from Chernihivshchyna and society members who had passed away.

Mykola Hordiienko, Deputy Head of the Pryluky Regional Branch, opened the event and provided information on the total number of members, those present in the hall, and those who had left the organisation.

Pavlo Kryvonos, Head of the Pryluky Regional Branch; Viktor Tkachenko, Honorary Chair of the Council of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society NGO; Valerii Demchenko, Chair of the Council of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society NGO; Mariia Sarycheva, Secretary of the meeting, took the honorary seats on the presidium.

In line with the agenda, the event included a report on the work of the Pryluky Branch in 2024, the re-election of the Head of the regional branch, and the approval of the work plan for 2025.

Pavlo Kryvonos, Head of the Pryluky Branch, presented the 2024 activity report.

He detailed the organisation of working and excursion trips across the region, creative competitions involving students, support for the Nadiia children’s home in Pryluky, book presentations by society members, participation in a memorial evening honouring distinguished compatriots, and assistance to the military. After the report, an open discussion took place regarding the activities of the regional branch in 2024. Yevheniia Makarenko, Doctor of Political Science, Full Professor, Honoured Scientist of Ukraine; Oleh Shekera, Full Professor, Doctor of Medical Science, Honoured Doctor of Ukraine; and Andrii Vertehel, Coordinator of the Invincible Ukraine and Europe educational project, assessed the branch’s activities as ‘satisfactory’.

Following the activities’ assessment of the Pryluky Regional Branch for 2024, the organisation’s members held an open vote to re-elect its Chairman. Based on the voting results, members elected Pavlo Kryvonos as Head of the Pryluky Regional Branch of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society NGO. He secured 23 votes, while Mykola Hordiienko received 16 votes.

During the approval of the 2025 work plan, Pavlo Kryvonos and Mykola Hordiienko outlined key activities for the year.

‘We must be proactive and work not only according to the plan but also beyond it, guided by our own initiative and dedication. Today, our focus is on supporting the military so that we may achieve peace and victory as soon as possible’, said the Head of the Pryluky Regional Branch.

After the reporting and election meeting, Viktor Tkachenko, Honorary Chair of the Council of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society; Valerii Demchenko, Chair of the Council of the Chernihivske Zemliatstvo Society; Olha Popenko, Mayor of Pryluky; and Volodymyr Chernov, Head of the Pryluky District Military Administration, delivered welcome speeches.

Volodymyr Chernov, Head of the Pryluky District Military Administration, emphasised: ‘The Zemliatstvo movement is a movement that affirms the equality of all fellow countrymen in our community. Here, in our love for our homeland, for our small motherland, all are equal: generals, privates, academics, and students alike. This is the highest justice of the Zemliatstvo movement. I would like to thank the Pryluky Branch for its tremendous work across all areas of its activities.’

Speaking about the Zemliatstvo as a powerful organisation committed to victory and the prosperity of its homeland, Valerii Demchenko added:

‘Today, it is more important than ever for all of us to consolidate our collective efforts and support the Defence Forces in achieving the well-being and flourishing of our small homeland’.

Olha Popenko echoed these sentiments, thanking the Zemliatstvo members for their dedicated work and inviting them to visit the beautiful Pryluky region. Concluding the speeches, Volodymyr Chernov underscored the importance of preserving not only the historical memory of past events and prominent figures from Pryluky but also the contemporary history of the russian-Ukrainian war:

‘We are making every effort to ensure that people widely know and discuss the modern history of Pryluky, as this region played a crucial role in repelling the enemy and shaping the situation. Pryluky created an obstacle and prevented the enemy from advancing quickly towards Kyiv. The people of Pryluky united, set aside all ambitions and supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine. For our part, we will do everything possible to contribute to the modern history of Pryluky, Chernihivshchyna, and our nation as a whole.’

After the meeting, participants took commemorative photographs and engaged in informal discussions.