Russian Forces Seize Village of Sopych in Sumy Region, Deport Residents to Russia.

Seizure of Sopych Village

According to TSN.ua: Russian military units have taken control of the village of Sopych in Ukraine's Sumy region, forcibly deporting its residents to Russia. According to the DeepState analytical group, the occupation occurred on March 7. While the village had a pre-war population of roughly 300, only 19 residents chose to remain and refused evacuation. These individuals are now reportedly being held in Russia's Bryansk region. This incident is part of a broader pattern of forced transfers, a practice condemned as a war crime under international law.

Regional Escalation

Beyond Sopych, Russian forces have also made advances near the villages of Popivka, Vysoke, and Komarivtsi. Infiltration into Sopych and surrounding settlements began as early as December of last year. In a related incident in December 2025, approximately 50 civilians were abducted from the village of Hrabovske in the Sumy region.

“The enemy advanced near Popivka and Vysoke, entered Komarivtsi, and occupied Sopych,” DeepState analysts noted.

The situation in the region remains tense due to ongoing Russian military activity. The occupation of Sopych and the forced deportation of its inhabitants signal a dangerous escalation of hostilities in northeastern Ukraine, raising significant concerns for civilian safety and the humanitarian situation. With Russian military operations continuing, the dynamic and volatile conditions are causing deep alarm among the local population and the international community.