Border villagers abducted and taken to Russia, says Ukraine

Ukraine has tried to evacuate areas of Sumy region near the Russian border, but many civilians have refused to leave.

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The attack occurred at night on Saturday, when about 100 Russian troops attacked the village, said Viktor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukraine's military Joint Forces Task Force.

The civilians were first rounded up in a church and then taken across the border to Russia, he told the BBC.

It was unusual for invading forces to take civilians to Russia before establishing a firm presence in occupied territory, he added.

Russia has so far not commented on the fate of civilians from Hrabovske, but reports from Ukraine indicate they may have been taken to Belgorod, a major regional centre about 50 miles (80 km) inside Russia.