The head of the border community explained why there is no forced evacuation in Sumy region.

In the Sumy region, the authorities have not yet made a decision on the forced evacuation of residents, even in the presence of certain risks. This was stated by the head of the Khotyn community Mykola Toryanyk.

'For there to be a forced evacuation, someone must make a responsible decision. Unfortunately or fortunately, we seem to have a democracy, we adhere to the laws on private property, at least we try to do this. If there had been a forced evacuation, within 10 days – and that's it, people would have stayed alive and everything would be fine. But unfortunately, it is necessary to risk both the Red Cross and the 'White Angels', and the community police officer

Toryanyk emphasized that no one wants to repeat the tragic mistakes of the past and reminded of the importance of listening to the recommendations of the authorities. 'It is easier for all branches of power to say that they warned people, but they did not listen', - he added.

How many people remain in the area

According to Toryanyk, about 350 people remain in the community who refuse to leave their homes even in the risk zone. 'There are elderly people, there are those with farms... There are those who left and then returned. But those who firmly stayed are about 300. Although they shoot, CABs arrive... You know, we tell people: 'Leave while you can leave, while you might get machinery.' But they stretch it to the last...', - he said.

According to Toryanyk, there is a certain category of people who need help and evacuation, but it is already more difficult to reach them. 'Many such situations exist throughout the border zone', - he emphasized.