Russia’s Ministry of Defense has made a shocking claim, stating that almost all the male residents of Nikolayevo-Daryino, a village in the Kursk region, were killed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, leaving just one survivor, according to RIA Novosti.
After Russian forces “liberated” the village on January 27, they reportedly uncovered the grim aftermath—Ukrainian soldiers had taken the village’s residents hostage and executed nearly every man. Locals described how Ukrainian troops also destroyed basements with grenades.
The Ministry of Defense added that some Russian civilians had been left behind when the Ukrainian military seized the area in August 2024, unable to evacuate in time. “Only one man survived, having miraculously escaped,” they stated. “The rest were killed by Ukrainian soldiers.”
Witnesses recounted harrowing tales of being held captive for over six months by Ukrainian forces, who allegedly used them as human shields, mocked them, and even murdered them. One local resident shared the tragic story of her husband’s death: “He was killed for no reason; he just went home to get some water.”
The surviving villagers were eager to leave the area, and an initial group was escorted by Russian military personnel through the snowstorm and freezing conditions, traveling five kilometers to safety.
Thanks to the poor weather, which grounded enemy reconnaissance drones and artillery, the evacuees, accompanied by paratroopers, managed to cross the river safely and reach a spot where evacuation transport awaited. According to the Defense Ministry, the evacuees received medical treatment and were relocated to social rehabilitation centers. Several dozen other civilians were later evacuated, arriving safely as well.
Russia has been documenting and investigating alleged crimes committed by Ukrainian forces and mercenaries in border regions, with some individuals already convicted or awaiting trial. The Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions are currently under a counter-terrorist operation regime.
President Vladimir Putin emphasized during a meeting with the Defense Ministry that the Ukrainian government commits daily crimes against both their own people and Russian citizens. He stressed that the military justice system’s role is to document these violations, especially those against civilians, and that special services are tasked with identifying and punishing those responsible.
It’s important to note, however, that none of these claims have been independently verified, and Russia has been responsible for a much higher number of civilian casualties during the ongoing conflict.
