Ukrainian Officials Detail Border Abductions
According to Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, Russian military personnel seized approximately 50 individuals from the village of Hrabovske in the Sumy region. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the captives being moved across the border into Russia on Saturday.
Lubinets stated that the villagers were detained without communication access before their forced relocation. He has contacted both the Russian human rights commissioner and the Red Cross regarding the matter.
International Response Sought
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that most of those taken were elderly women. "We urge all states and international organizations to join us in demanding the release of innocent civilian people stolen from their homes," he wrote on X.
Sybiha emphasized that this action constitutes a war crime being prosecuted in Ukraine and requires international condemnation. "It also underscores the permanent threat of living next to Russia. That is why Ukraine needs a real, lasting peace. Living next to terrorists requires strength and robust security guarantees," he added.
Evacuation Warnings Issued
Lubinets has advised Ukrainian citizens to leave border areas with their families, noting the ongoing dangers. Military sources indicate many of the abducted individuals had previously declined evacuation offers to safer Ukrainian territories.
Sumy Military Governor Oleh Hryhorov confirmed on Facebook that evacuation efforts continue in border zones, including for residents who initially resisted relocation.
The Sumy region has faced repeated Russian assaults during the nearly four-year conflict following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
