This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Khotin Territorial Community
Population:
The Khotin community is located in the Sumy district, Sumy region. It is a border community with about 30 km of border with the russian federation.
Total area of the territory: 242.73 sq km.
Population: 5,784 people (as of January 01, 2024)
Men: 2,411
Women: 2,566
Children: 716
People of retirement age: 1,986
Internally displaced persons: 286
The community includes 13 villages and has its administrative center in the settlement of Khotin.
History
Khotin has been known in written documents since the late 14th century. Interesting legends about the origin of the name of the village have been passed down from generation to generation. One of them says that the settlement was named after its founder Khotymar, another says that people began to settle around the Khochun well, and the settlement was named after this life-giving spring.
A historical find – a Scythian knife – confirms that the lands on which the settlement is located have been inhabited since prehistoric times.
At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, a luxurious architectural ensemble was built in Khotin.
The main palace had almost 90 show rooms, all of which were similar in decoration. The side wings have survived to this day. The main building of the estate burned down in 1918.
Economy and Welfare
The Khotin community of the Sumy district is a modern administrative territorial center that combines economic potential, cultural wealth and social stability. Thanks to its favorable geographical location, active work of local authorities and entrepreneurs, the community demonstrates positive results in the development of manufacturing industry, agriculture, trade, and social infrastructure.
The manufacturing industry plays a significant role in the development of the economy of the Khotin community, creates jobs, ensures stable budget revenues and creates conditions for socio-economic growth. The diversity of industrial areas in the community allows meeting the needs of the local population and contributing to the integration of the community into the regional economy.
The industrial structure of the community includes the following key areas: construction materials production, food industry, and metalworking and packaging industry.
A subsidiary manufacturing enterprise “VIKOR” operates on the territory of the community, specializing in the production of building bricks. Private enterprise “Khotin-khlib” is an important supplier of bakery products for the community. Limited Liability Company “Favor” is one of the leading manufacturers of metal containers and packaging.
Agriculture is an important sector of the economy of the Khotin community with over 20 registered farms engaged in land cultivation, growing crops, and production and processing of livestock products.
The presence of a large number of farms contributes to the development of the local agro-industrial complex and stimulates employment in rural areas.
The social component of the community is complemented by an extensive network of educational, cultural, and medical institutions that ensure a high level of well-being for residents.
The community has 3 kindergartens, 3 high schools, 4 cultural centers, and 7 libraries.
There are two family medicine general practice clinics and three paramedic and obstetrician stations in the Khotin community.
Community and War
The Khotin community of the Sumy district, located near the border with russia, has faced numerous challenges since the beginning of the full-scale war. Columns of enemy equipment passed through its territory, and later the community became the object of regular shelling from the territory of the russian federation. Movement of the column of the russian army, the settlement of Khotin, February 24, 2022
Today, shelling is a daily ordeal for local residents. Dozens of private homes have been damaged in these villages, but despite the danger, local residents quickly help each other to eliminate the consequences of shelling and put out fires before rescuers arrive. For example, residents of Kostiantynivka were able to stop the spread of fire after an attack that damaged several buildings.
The economic situation in the community has also worsened. Some fields remain unsown due to constant shelling, and farmers are forced to work in dangerous conditions. Local businesses, including agricultural firms, are limiting their activities due to the risks which leads to loss of jobs and income.
The community’s medical infrastructure continues to operate, serving 14 population centers, although access to villages in the border area is limited.
Despite all the difficulties, the residents of the Khotin community demonstrate incredible resilience and unity in response to the challenges of war. Despite daily shelling, people find ways to support each other and adapt to the realities of border life.
Humanitarian aid has become a key focus of the community. Volunteers work with local authorities and charities to deliver food, medicine, and clothing to the most vulnerable, especially those left behind in destroyed villages.
The local outpatient clinic, despite numerous difficulties, continues to serve residents. However, due to the lack of safe access to border villages, ambulances can only reach large population centers such as Khotin or Pysarivka.
Doctors, especially family physicians, work in difficult conditions, trying to compensate for the lack of resources and facilities. This dedication to their duty becomes an important factor in preserving the health of residents.
Farmers in the community, despite the shelling, are trying to continue their activities. Yurii Mysenko, a local farmer, says that they have to work at risk to their lives, but people do not leave their lands. At the same time, due to the risks, many farmlands remain unsown, which affects the income of farmers and the local economy.
The Khotin community has become an example of how people are able to find the strength for unity and support even in the most difficult circumstances. Despite losses, destruction, and constant threats, residents do not lose hope for recovery and a peaceful future.
The full-scale war in Ukraine has presented communities with an extraordinary number of challenges and problems.
The settlement head managed to organize the work of local entrepreneurs. When there were problems with the supply of products to local stores and food distribution centers were not working, he found distribution centers for purchasing products and agreed with the owners that they would open for a while for entrepreneurs from the community.
The community is subjected to constant shelling, so the main tasks of preserving the lives of the community residents, organizing the delivery of bread, products for the elderly and helping residents of other communities fell on the shoulders of the settlement head. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he initiated the creation of the first volunteer territorial defense detachment in the district, which stood up to protect the community residents.
When the Ukrainian military forces arrived to protect the community, the head sent all his forces to help with the construction of trenches and dugouts. He provided them with accommodation and food. The municipal services work at full capacity and restore damaged infrastructure facilities and houses of the community residents on a timely basis. The residents are provided with material assistance.
Despite the shelling that is carried out daily by the russian federation, the head of the community does not stop and does everything possible not only to preserve the community, but also to develop it. On his initiative, an individual community development plan is being prepared. An Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation was concluded with the Khodoriv and Slavske communities of the Lviv region, which are currently actively involved and provide both financial and material assistance.
The head of the community also managed to organize the delivery of humanitarian aid to residents and military formations in the community.
The community leader was also able to establish cooperation with foreign and domestic volunteers, enterprises, charitable and public organizations that help the community.
Development Strategy
The Khotin Community Development Strategy for 2023-2033 was prepared taking into account current threats and realities that emerged after the start of the full-scale invasion.
One of the first steps implemented within the framework of the strategic plan was the reconstruction of shelters in community education institutions.
A particularly important area was the construction of new shelters for remote villages and areas where they were previously unavailable.
