Ukrainian authorities have reported that 52 residents and 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the village of Hrabovske in the northeastern Sumy region were transported to Russia. The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday night, involved approximately 100 Russian troops who entered the village. Simultaneously, military engagements have been reported in the Sumy region, and Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from Siversk in the Donetsk region.
Transfer of Civilians and Soldiers
On Saturday night, approximately 100 Russian troops reportedly entered Hrabovske, a village in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region. Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv reported that 52 residents and 13 Ukrainian soldiers from the village were subsequently transported into Russia.
Viktor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukraine's military Joint Forces Task Force, stated that civilians were gathered in a church before being moved across the border. Trehubov characterized this action as uncommon or unusual prior to the establishment of a firm presence in occupied territory.
Status of Individuals
Russia has not issued public statements regarding the status of the individuals reportedly transferred from Hrabovske. Ukrainian reports suggest they may have been taken to Belgorod, a regional center located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) inside Russia. Volodymyr Bitsak, a member of the Sumy regional council, noted that attempts to contact individuals reportedly taken to Belgorod have been unsuccessful, with one relative stating no current means of contact.
Military Engagements in Sumy Region
As of Tuesday evening, Lieutenant Colonel Trehubov reported ongoing combat operations in the southern area of Hrabovske. Deep State, a Ukrainian battlefield monitoring website, subsequently indicated that Russian forces had captured the village. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had been engaged at Hrabovske and other settlements within the Sumy region.
Developments in Donetsk Region
In the eastern Donetsk region, the Ukrainian military announced a withdrawal of troops from Siversk. This decision was made to preserve the lives of soldiers. The reported capture of Siversk by Russian forces positions them closer to the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which are located approximately 35 kilometers (21 miles) to the west.