Russian-backed forces detain Ukrainian serviceman in Luhansk region - HQ

"On December 17, 2020, while inspecting the presence of the personnel of a subdivision of a military unit performing tasks in the area of the Joint Forces Operation, one serviceman of the unit was found to be absent. Search measures did not yield a positive result. At present, it has been established that the serviceman was detained by representatives of illegal armed groups," the report reads.

According to the JFO headquarters, representatives of the Russian occupation forces are trying to cynically use this fact to discredit the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The circumstances of the incident are being clarified.

Earlier reports said that a fighter of the 14th separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Pupko, had been captured by Russian-supported forces. The exact circumstances of the incident are unknown.

The "detention" of the Ukrainian military took place near the occupied town of Slovianoserbsk in Luhansk region.

op