Robotyne

Robotyne (Ukrainian: Робо́тине, pronounced [roˈbɔtɪne]) is a village in Polohy Raion, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. Administratively, it is part of Tokmak urban hromada, one of the hromadas of Ukraine.[2] The village is approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southeast of Orikhiv,[3] and 23 kilometres (14 mi) north of Tokmak.

Robotyne
Роботине
Village
Robotyne is located in Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Robotyne
Robotyne
Robotyne is located in Ukraine
Robotyne
Robotyne
Coordinates: 47°26′35″N 35°49′34″E / 47.44306°N 35.82611°E / 47.44306; 35.82611
Country Ukraine
Oblast Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Raion Polohy Raion
HromadaTokmak urban hromada
Founded1869[citation needed]
Area
 • Total3.115 km2 (1.203 sq mi)
Elevation
136 m (446 ft)
Population
 • Total480
 • Density150/km2 (400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
71720
Area code+380 6178
KOATUU code2325283203
KATOTTH codeUA23100270150025192[2]
Map

It had a population of 480 in 2001.[1]

History

19th-20th centuries

According to Yu. Knyazkov, the area was initially settled as a farm in 1818 by migrants from the city of Orikhiv. The name is itself derived from the surname of the first settlers, Robota. In 1869, the village was officially founded.[4]

The area was administratively assigned to the Solodko-Balkiv Volost, Berdyansky Uyezd, Taurida Governorate. Until 1865, the inhabitants belonged to the parish in Orikhiv, prior to being transferred to Kopani. Almost all residents were ethnic Ukrainians.[5]

Early 21st century

Prior to administrative reforms, the village was a part of the Tokmak Raion, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, in Ukraine.[6] The village is located 23 kilometres (14 mi) north of Tokmak,[7] which made it-at the time- one of the farthest settlements in Tokmak Raion from the district center, Tokmak.[6]

On June 12, 2020, in accordance with the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 713-r "On the determination of administrative centers and approval of the territories of the territorial communities of the Zaporizhzhya region" the Novoprokopivka village council became part of Tokmak urban hromada of Tokmak Raion.[8] On July 17, 2020, as a result of the administrative-territorial reform and liquidation of Tokmak Raion, the village became part of Polohy Raion.[9]

Russian invasion of Ukraine

In early March 2022, Russian forces seized control of the village as part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[10] According to local accounts, during the Russian occupation, life in the village was without heat, light, or water. One remaining family subsisted off of a garden, and shared food with neighbors. Houses were destroyed by daily shelling.[10]

Ukrainian flag raised above Robotyne in August 2023

Intense clashes occurred near Robotyne amidst the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive, as it held a vital position in the Russian defensive front. The village endured significant damage and population loss throughout the battles.[11][12] On August 23, 2023, the 47th Mechanized Brigade unfurled the Ukrainian flag on the ruins of a local school,[13] marking the capture of the village. Ukraine said that it subsequently organized the safe evacuation of the remaining civilians.[14][15][16] By the time of the liberation, there was only one family left in the village. After the evacuation, the family now lives in Zaporizhzhia City.[10]

On 6 September 2023 units of the Russian 76th Air Assault Division made an attempt to recover their lost positions in the trench lines and heights south of Robotyne. The attack was made from the west and south from Novoprokopivka to reestablish control over the village. After a few hours of heavy fighting and successful counterattacks launched from north and north-east by Skala Battalion and drone units of 47th Mechanized Brigade,[citation needed] the Russian units were defeated and forced to withdraw.[17]

On 24 February 2024, Russian troops counterattacked and entered central Robotyne.[18][19]

Transport

The village sits on the part of the T0408 highway [uk][20] running north–south between Orikhiv and Tokmak.

Demographics

According to the 2001 Ukrainian census, the majority of the population spoke Ukrainian (92.92%), and a minority spoke Russian (6.88%).[1]

References