Forced Relocation in Chernihiv Region
Starting July 1, 2023, authorities in the Chernihiv region have implemented a mandatory evacuation affecting 19 settlements located near the border. The decision came at the request of the military, following a rise in FPV drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. Andriy Podorvan, an advisor to the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, provided details on the evacuation order.
Additional Villages and Current Situation
According to updated information, 12 settlements have been added to the evacuation list, along with 7 villages from a previous mandatory evacuation where residents still remain. These 19 communities are home to over 1,000 people, including 120 children. Most of the villages slated for evacuation are located in the Novhorod-Siverskyi community, including:
- Vorobyivka
- Kamin
- Kaminska Sloboda
- Karabany
- Chaikyne
Notably, evacuations have been ongoing in Kamin and Kaminska Sloboda since 2023.
In Chaikyne, a village with roughly 170 residents—28 of whom are internally displaced persons—the local head collected signatures in early June to support evacuation, but no one agreed to leave. Karabany and Chaikyne together have about 20 families. Residents of these villages have voiced concerns about the lack of suitable housing options. As one Chaikyne resident put it:
“Are these families being offered housing? I don’t think so. Assistance? No either. That’s why I believe our authorities should have considered providing proper housing before declaring a mandatory evacuation.”
The mandatory evacuation is not enforced by compulsion; each resident makes their own decision. The order was issued by the Chernihiv Regional Defense Council. In a notable historical note, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma was born in Chaikyne, adding a layer of significance to this area. The situation remains tense, with military officials continuing to urge evacuation to ensure public safety.
The developments in Chernihiv region highlight the broader challenges facing Ukraine’s border areas amid ongoing military aggression. While the evacuation is a response to real threats, it has stirred anxiety among people now facing difficult choices. It is critical that local authorities offer support and secure alternative housing for those forced to leave their homes.
The current evacuation efforts in the Chernihiv region reflect a broader trend of mandatory relocations as security concerns escalate. For instance, an earlier evacuation order affected 12 border villages, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents in these areas. As authorities continue to assess the situation, it remains crucial for those impacted to stay informed about their options and available support resources.