‘Russia no different from ISIS, Boko Haram or Hamas’: Ukraine demands return of 50 abducted civilians

Ukraine demands that Russia return 50 residents of the Sumy Oblast illegally deported by the Russian occupiers, as well as thousands of other Ukrainian citizens. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha reminded on X that Russian invaders abducted five dozen civilians, mostly elderly women, from the small border Ukrainian village of Hrabovske.

“With such medieval raids, Putin’s Russia shows it is no different from terrorist groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, or Hamas. We demand our civilian hostages to be returned home. These fifty people and thousands of other civilians forcibly deported to Russia, including Ukrainian children,” the Minister stated.

He called on all states and international organizations to join Ukraine in the demand for the release of “innocent civilians abducted from their homes.”

“This particular war crime is already being prosecuted in Ukraine and should receive an appropriate response at the international level as well,” he stressed. 

Sybiha emphasized that there is a constant threat to life if your neighbor is Russia.

“That is why Ukraine needs a real, lasting peace. Living next to terrorists requires strength and robust security guarantees” the MFA head summarized.

Meanwhile, the Russian Interfax news agency reported that the Kremlin has said it awaits the proposals developed by representatives of Ukraine, European countries, and the US as part of talks on ending the war, but believes that most of them will be categorically unacceptable for Russia.

That’s why, as stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address, pressure on Russia is crucial. 

“Pressure must increase. Therefore, next week – even though it will be Christmas week, when political work quiets down globally – we will still be in contact with partners, with everyone who can help us defend our state, our people, our energy sector, our resilience, with everyone working on pressure against Russia, with everyone making the end of the war real,” said Zelenskyy.

He added that there should be relevant news before the end of this year: support packages for Ukraine and decisions that reduce Russia’s ability to wage war.