Lithuania Condemns Russian Abduction of Over 50 Ukrainian Civilians from Sumy Region as War Crime

Lithuania Denounces Civilian Abductions in Ukraine

Lithuania has issued a strong condemnation of Russia's actions in the Sumy region of Ukraine, following the abduction of over 50 Ukrainian civilians. On December 22, 2025, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys publicly denounced the incident, unequivocally labeling it a war crime.

Details of the Abduction in Hrabovske

The abductions took place in the village of Hrabovske (also spelled Grabovske) in Sumy Oblast, a border area with Russia. Russian forces reportedly entered the village on the night of December 19-20, 2025. According to reports, the Russian troops gathered the residents, many of whom were elderly and had previously refused to evacuate, into a local church before forcibly transporting them to Russian territory. Ukrainian officials confirmed that approximately 50 civilians were taken, with one of the abducted individuals reportedly being 89 years old.

International Outcry and Demands for Release

Minister Budrys demanded the immediate release of the seized civilians and their safe return home. He stated, 'This targeting of mostly elderly residents once again exposes Russia's utter cynicism and shows that it has no limits. This is a war crime – and Russia will not escape responsibility for this and all the other crimes it has committed against Ukraine.' He also urged international organizations 'to not stay silent in face of Russia's criminal actions against international law, against Ukraine and against Ukrainian civilians.'

Ukrainian officials echoed Lithuania's condemnation. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for an international response, describing the abductions as a 'grave violation of international humanitarian law' and comparing Russia's actions to those of terrorist groups. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, confirmed the forced detention and deportation, emphasizing that such acts constitute unlawful detention and forced deportation of civilians, which are recognized as war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Accountability

The incident is currently under investigation by Ukrainian authorities, who are also pushing for an international response. The forced deportation of civilians, particularly children, has been a recurring issue in the conflict, with the International Criminal Court having previously issued arrest warrants for Russian officials concerning child abductions. The international community continues to be urged to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.