An anti-Kremlin group of Russian volunteers known as the Siberian Battalion has reported taking over the local government building within the Gorkovsky settlement located in Belgorod Oblast, Russia, as of March 17.
According to a declaration made on Telegram, “The Russian liberation forces, with the support of volunteers from the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, stormed into the Gorkovsky settlement within the Russian Federation and seized the building housing the local administration.”
These reports are shared by the militia and their authenticity has not been independently confirmed by The Kyiv Independent.
Organizations such as the Freedom of Russia Legion, Siberian Battalion, and the Russian Volunteer Corps, who are outspoken critics of the widespread invasion of Ukraine by Russia, have initiated cross-border raids into the Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia starting from March 12.
During these operations, the militia groups claim they have captured up to 25 Russian soldiers. Their justification for these actions in Russian territories is stated plainly: “The bombardment of Ukraine coming from Belgorod Oblast must come to an end,” as noted by the battalion.
As they proceed with pinpoint operations aimed at Russian military bases, they also urge civilians to evacuate or seek shelter.
In reaction to these assaults by anti-Kremlin forces, Russia’s Ministry of Defense has stated that they have successfully repelled an attempt by Kyiv to advance across the border into the Belgorod and Kursk regions.
The Chief of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, mentioned on March 16 that Ukraine would extend its support to these anti-Kremlin militias in whatever capacity possible. Budanov emphasized that these groups have offered substantial assistance to Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia and are evolving from merely being groups to becoming a formidable force.
The Siberian Battalion is noted for comprising Russian nationals seeking to oppose the Kremlin and includes various ethnic minorities from Siberia like the Buryats, Yakuts, and Tuvans.
Insight on the ‘Siberian Battalion’: Who Are They?
To ensure their safety and that of their families back in Russia, the full names of militia members are not disclosed by The Kyiv Independent; they are recognized through their callsigns.
Note: The information supplied is a reiteration sourced from various outlets on the internet using AI-driven news feed technology. Ownership or authorship by TheUBJ of the content presented is not claimed. The original link, https://kyivindependent.com/anti-kremlin-militia-siberian-battalion-announces-capture-of-gorkovsky-settlement-in-belgorod-oblast/, is provided for sourcing authenticity.
FAQs
- What is the Siberian Battalion?
The Siberian Battalion is a militia group formed by Russian nationals who oppose the Kremlin. It mainly consists of ethnic Siberians, such as Buryats, Yakuts, and Tuvans, among others. They have been active in conducting cross-border incursions into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk oblasts. - Has the capture of the administration building in Gorkovsky been confirmed?
No independent verification of the capture has been made available as of now. The claims come directly from the militia groups involved. - What is Russia’s response to these operations?
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims to have thwarted attempts by the forces to penetrate the Russian border areas in the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts. - What is Ukraine’s stance regarding the Siberian Battalion and similar militias?
Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, has stated that Ukraine supports these anti-Kremlin militias and will assist them as much as possible.
Conclusion
The reported seizure of the local administration building in Gorkovsky by the Siberian Battalion reflects the ongoing resistance against the Kremlin from within Russia by various militia groups. While this particular incident remains unverified by independent sources, it highlights the broader movement of opposition to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. It is clear that Ukraine’s government shows support for such groups, recognizing their increasing relevance in the conflict.