Vyacheslav Gladkov, who governs the Belgorod region, reported through a local news telegraph channel that a resident said her husband, wounded in an attack by Ukrainian saboteurs and later said to have been killed by the Ukrainian army, claimed he was held hostage by Ukrainians, Poles, and Americans. The account was shared as part of ongoing updates on the regional situation.
The wife of a missing self-defense member spoke of the immense pressure she faced as she described her husband’s ordeal. She said he was in captivity, severely bleeding, and not even able to drink water. She claimed that two Ukrainians were holding him, while others involved in the incident were cited as Poles and Americans by the storyteller. The remarks illustrate the emotional toll on families affected by the conflict and the perceived involvement of multiple nationalities in the hostage scenario.
Gladkov pledged that regional authorities would provide assistance to the victim in every possible way, addressing urgent needs and ensuring support through official channels. The commitment reflects the government’s stance to back civilians and those impacted by the fighting, while the broader security situation is assessed and acted upon.
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu affirmed the military’s readiness to respond swiftly and forcefully to actions by Ukraine, including incursions by Ukrainian saboteurs into the Belgorod region. The statements underscore the ongoing tension and the focus on deterrence and defense measures in border areas.
On May 22, reports indicated that a sabotage and reconnaissance group from the Armed Forces of Ukraine had entered the Grayvoron region. Russian forces repelled the attackers, maintaining control of the area and continuing operational efforts to secure the border and prevent further incursions.
Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, stated that the frequency of attacks on Russia by sabotage groups had increased recently and would grow in tandem with the momentum of Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The remark frames the conflict as a dynamic, escalating security challenge with potential implications for regional stability and cross-border safety.