Kyiv denounces abduction of 9 civilians by Russian sabotage group in Kupiansk

Othe Russian military will have kidnapped these civilians following a sabotage operation in front of Kupiansk in northeastern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian forces.

The Ukrainian National Guard Corps has posted on social media a video recorded with a drone with images of the movements described by alleged members of the Russian sabotage group, dressed in non-military clothing.

The Russian unit will have forced these civilians to accompany them from Kupiansk to the entrance of the pipeline of the area, which they use to reach that city without being detected and eliminated by Ukrainian drones.

In the video, you can see civilians entering the hole that would lead to the pipeline, while at least two people in military uniform give them instructions.

One of those people seems to be filming them with a cell phone.

The Ukrainian military suspects that the Russians may present this action as a humanitarian evacuation.

The pipeline is about 10 kilometres long, which is necessary to travel in darkness, according to the Khartia Corps.

Mixed with the supposed civilian soldiers, in the group of civilians are elderly, a child who wields a white flag and a person who carries crutches.

“Each of the actions in this video constitutes a war crime”, can be read in the message published by the Khartia Corps, explaining that it did not open fire against the saboteurs, despite having detected them with drones, so as not to hit civilians.

In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga shared on social network X the video and denunciation of the military unit.

“ These acts constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and should be properly documented and investigated so that those responsible answer for them,” wrote the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.

In June, a proposal for direct negotiations issued by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, handed over to the Russian Presidency, included, among other things, a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, starting with civilians and children allegedly abducted by Russia.