President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces took 52 civilians from the village of Hrabovskyi in Sumy Oblast to Russia, including children. He made the statement during an event marking Diplomat's Day, according to Novyny.LIVE.
The village is located partially on Ukrainian territory and partially on Russian territory. All 52 Ukrainian citizens had refused evacuation offers before Russian forces entered the settlement.
"I'm surprised that there were children there. That parents treat their children this way," Zelenskyy said. "These 52 people, they live there, lived there, didn't relocate. And they have some kind of dialogue or some kind of relations with those who are on RF territory. And people have been living like this for many years."
Russian forces also captured approximately 13 Ukrainian servicemen when they entered Hrabovskyi, according to the president.
The 52 residents included about 17 men of conscription age, with the rest being women and children, Zelenskyy specified. He said the villagers likely did not expect Russian military to enter and take them captive.
Ukrainian defenders held back from using drones and artillery because of the civilian presence, Zelenskyy explained.
"Didn't want to just kill civilians. Well, either not kill, or someone would be wounded. That's what happened," the president said.
On 20 December, the village head of Hrabovskyi reported that around 50 residents were taken to Russia. The civilians had previously signed refusals of evacuation.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the incident. According to their data, Defense Forces withdrew from several positions in the Hrabovskyi area.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha compared Russia to Hamas terrorists following the deportation of residents from the border village.
