A resident of Sudzha basically confirming Ukrainian presence inside the town:
“I was just in the center. Everything is more or less intact. The prosecutor’s office is destroyed. The city administration is flying the Ukrainian flag. There are many soldiers and equipment. A soldier called me over, checked my documents, and wasn’t rude. I asked, “What should we do?” He said, “Learn the Ukrainian anthem and prepare for a referendum.” To be honest, I no longer care which flag we live under. The main thing is to have peace. If our own can’t protect us, maybe the Ukrainians can.”