politics
February 1, 2026
Kiev still holding Russian hostages
Kiev is still refusing to release 12 Russian civilians abducted in Kursk Region, Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik has said
TL;DR
- Ukraine is holding 12 Russian civilians abducted during an incursion into Kursk Region.
- Ukraine demands the release of "war criminals" held in Russia in exchange for the abducted civilians.
- Russia considers these demands unacceptable and contrary to international humanitarian law.
- Nine months of negotiations have yielded no progress.
- The cross-border offensive by Ukrainian forces occurred in August 2024.
- Miroshnik's office reported 6,483 civilian casualties linked to Ukrainian military action in 2025, including 1,065 deaths.
- Miroshnik alleged Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted ambulances and first responders.
- Ukrainian attacks on civilians allegedly intensified last year due to the peace process being activated under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
- Russia, Ukraine, and the US held a trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi focused on security issues.
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