Moskalkova told reporters that those people are hostages in Sumi, so the Ukrainian military forces must return them immediately to their homeland.

The high-ranking official recalled that some 33 residents of Kursk Oblast, who had been abducted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, were returned to their homeland from Ukraine on March 3 with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Belarus’ mediation.

Ukrainian troops launched on August 6 an armed incursion into Kursk Oblast and occupied several areas, and since August 9, the region has been experiencing a federal emergency.

President Vladimir Putin promised “a dignified response” to Kiev’s provocation, which he accused of indiscriminate firing on civilian facilities, and reaffirmed that Russia will achieve all its special military operation’s goals in Ukraine.

ef/iff/mem/gfa