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In an unprecedented move, the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion, both Russian anti-Kremlin armed groups, have infiltrated Russian territory from Ukraine on March 12 to engage in combat actions.
Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, Andrii Yusov, states that these groups include Russian citizens who have joined Ukraine’s defense efforts. He mentioned, “They’re aiding in the liberation of Ukraine from Russian invaders. These individuals are Russian nationals and have the authority to engage in activities they deem appropriate to stand up for their civil rights and free their nation from Putin’s rule in Russia.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry counters these claims by stating it countered “a penetration attempt by Kyiv into Russian border regions in Belgorod and Kursk oblasts,” alleging the assault was launched in three simultaneous directions without mentioning the Freedom of Russia Legion or the Siberian Battalion. The statement only describes that the “Ukrainian terrorists” who attempted entry into Russian land were targeted by various Russian military forces.
Ex-Russian parliamentarian Ilya Ponomarev, now in exile in Ukraine, confirmed that these Russian militia units had embarked on a “joint operation” in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk areas. According to his Facebook post, the battalion has taken full control of Lozovaya Rudka in Belgorod Oblast, and currently, a firefight involving small arms is happening in Tyotkino, Kursk Oblast.
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A video from the Freedom of Russia Legion surfaced, allegedly showing their presence in Tyotkino, where they claim to have destroyed a Russian armored personnel carrier.
The accuracy of Ponomarev’s accounts and the group’s supposed video evidence remains unverified by The Kyiv Independent.
Both the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion disseminated videos on social media that allegedly documented their activities in Russia.
Tweets from the Freedom of Russia Legion reflect their aspirations for a Russia free from President Putin’s dictatorial grip. Additionally, they convey their commitment to taking action to bring about such change. The Siberian Battalion has been vocal on social media, in particular advising Russians to dismiss the Russian presidential election slated for mid-March as farce and disavow the voting process entirely.
It was noted that these aren’t the initial instances of Russian anti-Kremlin forces making forays into Russian territory from Ukraine.
Yusov reported a prior crossing by the Freedom of Russia Legion into Belgorod Oblast in May 2023, stating the intent to dislodge Putin’s regime and shield Ukrainian civilians by establishing a defensive zone.
FAQ Section
- What are the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion?
They are Russian anti-Kremlin armed groups composed of Russian citizens who have joined Ukraine’s security and defense forces. - Did these groups have previous operations in Russian territory?
Yes, they had previous incursions, such as the one by the Freedom of Russia Legion into Belgorod Oblast in May 2023. - Are the claims made by Ilya Ponomarev and the operations video footage verified?
No, The Kyiv Independent could not verify Ponomarev’s claims or the legitimacy of the video footage presented by the armed groups. - What is the reaction of the Russian Defense Ministry?
The ministry asserts that it repelled an attempt by Kyiv to penetrate the Russian border in the Belgorod and Kursk regions and that Ukrainian “terrorists” were targeted by Russian military forces.
Conclusion
The recent incursions by the anti-Kremlin Russian militia groups into Russia from Ukraine underscore the complexity and ever-evolving dynamics of the conflict between the two nations. The actions by the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion reflect a potent internal dissent against the Putin regime, transcending borders in their mechanisms of resistance. Though unverified, these episodes of internal pushback and the Russian government’s response indicate an escalation in the spectrum of combat operations within the context of the broader geopolitical conflict influencing Eastern Europe.
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