British News Agency

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Russian occupation forces abducted 60 civilians, mostly elderly women, from the village of Hrabovske in the Sumy region. Sybiha stated: “Putin’s Russia, through such medieval-style raids, shows that it is no different from terrorist organizations such as ISIS, Boko Haram or Hamas.”

Calling for the release of the abducted civilians, Sybiha said: “These sixty people and thousands of other civilians forcibly taken to Russia, including Ukrainian children, must return to their homes.” He also urged all states and international organizations to take action for the release of innocent civilians, stressing that this war crime is being investigated in Ukraine and must receive an appropriate international response.

Sybiha added: “This situation shows that being a neighbor to Russia poses a constant threat. Ukraine needs a real and lasting peace. Living next to terrorists requires strength and solid security guarantees.”