Russian Forces Abduct Ukrainian Civilians in Hrabovske

On December 20, 2025, Russian military units from the 36th Brigade crossed into Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region and forcibly took approximately 50 residents from the border village of Hrabovske into Russia. Reports indicate that most of those abducted were elderly individuals, with one resident being 89 years old. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding violations of international humanitarian law.

• December 18, 2025: Russian forces reportedly began breaching the border near Hrabovske.

• December 20, 2025: Around 50 residents were forcibly taken to Russia. Ukrainian military officials confirmed ongoing fighting in the area as they attempted to repel the Russian forces.

Hrabovske is situated approximately 200 meters from the Russian border and has been a focal point of conflict during the ongoing war. Many residents had previously refused evacuation due to the ongoing conflict, leading to a situation where only a small number remained in the village. The Sumy region has faced continuous Russian attacks, prompting Ukrainian authorities to urge evacuations from border areas.

The Straits Times

Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets condemned the abduction, labeling it a gross violation of international law. He has reached out to the Russian Ombudswoman, Tatyana Moskalkova, demanding information on the abducted individuals and their conditions. Lubinets has also called for the international community, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to take action against these illegal deportations.

Critics of the Russian military's actions argue that the abduction of civilians serves as a deliberate provocation rather than a strategic military operation. Ukrainian military spokespersons have suggested that these actions lack significant military objectives and may be intended to create psychological pressure on the local population.

Local officials, including Hrabovske's village head, Larysa Kremezna, confirmed the abduction, noting that the residents had previously declined evacuation. Reports indicate that while some neighboring villages managed to evacuate a portion of their residents, many remained in dangerous conditions despite ongoing shelling.

Euromaiden Press

While Ukrainian sources consistently report that around 50 residents were taken, there is some discrepancy regarding the exact number and identities of those abducted. Additionally, the specific Russian military units involved in the operation have not been conclusively identified.

• “I have urgently appealed to the Human Rights Commissioner of the Russian Federation with a demand to provide information on the whereabouts of illegally deported Ukrainian citizens,” — Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Ombudsman

• “The military spokesperson emphasized that these Russian actions lack strategic goals and may be intended as a political or informational attack, resembling a localized provocation rather than a full-scale operation.” — Viktor Trehubov, Head of Communications for Ukraine’s Joint Forces

• “There were about fifty people left there. They were taken to the territory of the Russian Federation. There were no children among them,” — Larysa Kremezna, Village Head of Hrabovske

Euromaiden Press

Ukrainian forces are actively engaged in efforts to push back the Russian military from Hrabovske. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military operations and international calls for accountability regarding the treatment of the abducted civilians.