A group of Russian volunteers, aligned with Ukraine, conducted an incursion into Russian territory, initiating a series of engagements against Russian military forces. This operation, led by the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Siberian Battalion, and the Russian Volunteer Corps, began with a strategic offensive launched from Ukraine, penetrating several dozen kilometers into Russia. The coalition of volunteers, comprised of Russian citizens opposing the Kremlin’s policies, has been fighting under the command of individuals using codenames, with the Russian Volunteer Corps chief known by the alias “Fortuna”.
Radio Svoboda’s story about the newly formed “Siberia” battalion of Russian citizens, which will fight on the side of Ukraine.
🇬🇧 subtitles pic.twitter.com/JwYCui4kWp
— Oriannalyla 🇺🇦 (@Lyla_lilas) October 28, 2023
The operation commenced with the utilization of tanks and armored vehicles, facilitating the volunteers’ advance and leading to the capture of prisoners, the numbers of which have not been disclosed. Among the territories reported occupied by the volunteers is the small frontier village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region.
❗❗️ The most massive UAV attack on russia is being prepared this night , – RosSMI
“Fighters of the RDK, LSR & SB use dozens of armored vehicles, artillery and aviation in Belgorod. More than 200 artillery arrivals and 23 UAV attacks per day were recorded.”
Total panic pic.twitter.com/U6qQOOqput
— Азов South (@Azovsouth) March 14, 2024
In conjunction with their military efforts, the volunteer groups issued statements urging Russian soldiers to surrender and advising civilians in the frontier regions of Belgorod and Kursk to evacuate. These calls come amidst reports of intensified shelling and aerial attacks on Belgorod, further escalating the situation. The groups have shared battlefield footage and other materials claiming significant Russian military losses, including the targeting of armored vehicles with drones and the destruction of ammunition depots.
The operation is described as the largest cross-border incursion since the full-scale invasion began, with the groups expressing their intent to disrupt the status quo ahead of the Russian presidential elections.
The Ukrainian government has acknowledged the participation of these volunteer groups, emphasizing that while they are composed of Russian citizens, they are acting as part of Ukraine’s security and defense forces.
The Russian defense ministry has responded to these developments by claiming to have repelled the incursion.
However, new information has emerged from pro-war Russian journalists and media outlets close to the military, indicating that the conflict extended into Thursday evening. Notably, Readovka, a pro-Kremlin news site known for its connections to the security services, reported that the pro-Ukrainian battalions had entered Kozenka, a village in the Belgorod region, where active fighting was reported. Moreover, the Kremlin-controlled RT channel has reported evacuations among residents of border towns in the Belgorod region.
Accompanying these skirmishes were sustained Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting the city of Belgorod. On Thursday, it was reported that Ukraine launched at least eight missiles at the Belgorod border region, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, according to local officials.
While Putin’s army is destroying civilian homes, Legion artillerymen destroyed 2 ammunition depots of Putin’s combat in Tetkino at once.
It burns beautifully. pic.twitter.com/jcDGJdshsJ
— “Liberty of Russia” Legion (@legion_svoboda) March 14, 2024
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