Ukrainian intelligence claims that two Russian servicemen died after eating toxic pies handed to them by Ukrainian residents.

The troops from the Third Motor Rifle Division are claimed to have perished quickly after being offered the treats as ‘gifts’ by Izium villagers.

Another 28 Russians were alleged to have been sent to intensive care following the poisoning, with hundreds more said to be suffering from “serious sickness” as a result of the tainted food and drink.

On Saturday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense Intelligence issued the following statement: “Ukrainians are resisting the occupiers with whatever means at their disposal.

“According to current information, people of the Izium area (Kharkiv region) ‘treated’ Russians from the Russian Federation’s third Motorized Rifle Division with poisoned pies.

“As a result, two occupants died at the same time, and another 28 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Their current situation is being investigated.”

“Around 500 additional troops of the Russian Federation’s third Motorized Rifle Division are in hospitals owing to serious alcohol intoxication of unknown origin,” it continued.