The plan to exchange the injured fighters with the Russian governor of the Belgorod region failed because he did not attend the meeting as pledged.
After a failed meeting, pro-Ukraine Russian fighters holding two Russian servicemen will hand them over to Kyiv.
The Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) offered to exchange soldiers for a meeting with Belgorod’s governor.
As difficult as it is for me to say, they probably murdered them. But if they are still breathing, the Shebekino checkpoint will be open between 5 and 6 p.m. “I guarantee safety,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov responded, giving the impression of agreeing to the meeting.
However, following Mr. Gladkov’s absence from the meeting, the RVC proclaimed that it would instead hand over the soldiers to Ukraine.
Later on Sunday, the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL), another pro-Ukrainian Russian organization, posted a new video on Telegram stating that Mr. Gladkov had not met them.
A Telegram video showed the RVC commander and two hostages.
One captive appeared to be injured and was laying on a surgical table.
Mr. Gladkov was given until 2 p.m. to confer with the group.
“Today until 5 p.m. [local time], you have the opportunity to communicate without weapons and bring home two Russian citizens, ordinary soldiers whom you and your political leadership sent to their deaths,” read a joint statement from the RVC and FJL.
In the meantime, Mr. Gladkov announced via Telegram that he had an ‘operational’ meeting with local officials.
The governor also reported combat with a “Ukrainian saboteur group” in Novaya Tavolzhanka near the Ukrainian border.
Two partisan groups, purportedly composed of Russian nationals, have engaged in conflict in the region.
The FRL has twice assaulted Belgorod within the past few weeks.
The group was formed in spring 2022 “to fight in the ranks” of the Ukrainian military “against Putin’s armed gang.
Ukraine has denied any involvement with the group, but the militia has stated that it works with the Ukrainian military.
