Ukrainian-based armed groups claims control of villages in Russia. Two paramilitary groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and the Siberian Battalion (SB), purportedly aligned with Ukraine, have claimed to have breached Russian territory.
This assertion comes despite Moscow vehemently denying any such infiltration on Tuesday.
Videos circulating on social media platforms depict armed individuals allegedly present in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions, fueling speculation about the incursion.
Russian state news agency Tass, citing statements from the Defence Ministry and the Federal Security Service, reported that Ukrainian forces encountered resistance and suffered losses before being repelled from the area.
While Tass asserts that Ukrainian troops failed to establish control over any settlements, a claim contested by an exiled Russian politician who alleges Ukrainian forces have seized control of two villages.
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The Defence Ministry said that on March 12, Ukrainian formations attempted to “invade the Belgorod Region in three locations at once: near the settlements of Odnorobovka, Nekhoteyevka and Spodaryushino. They were hit by aviation, artillery and rocket forces.”
Russian intelligence agency FSB said that since March 10, “Kyiv has lost over 100 men, six tanks, and a CAESAR self-propelled artillery unit, along with 20 armored fighting vehicles and a strongpoint.”
Ukraine denied any involvement saying the paramilitary groups were “independent organisations of Russian nationals, and therefore operating at home.”
Russian forces responded with airstrikes, artillery barrages, and rocket attacks.
The Russian intelligence agency FSB claimed that since March 10, Ukrainian forces have sustained significant losses, including over 100 casualties, the destruction of six tanks, a CAESAR self-propelled artillery unit, along with 20 armored vehicles and a fortified position.
However, Ukraine has denied any involvement in the alleged incursion, asserting that the paramilitary groups in question are comprised of Russian nationals and are therefore operating within Russian territory.
This development comes as the Russian military campaign against Ukraine enters its third year, marking one of the most significant conflicts in Europe since World War Two.
A video released by the FRL on Tuesday purportedly depicts a border area between Russia and Ukraine.
In the footage, an armed individual is heard expressing aspirations for a Russia liberated from what they describe as “Putin’s dictatorship,” vowing to reclaim land from the regime “centimeter by centimeter.”
Meanwhile, the SB reported “fierce fighting” occurring within Russian territory and condemned the upcoming Russian presidential elections scheduled for March 15-17, suggesting that true change can only be achieved through armed resistance.
As Ukrainian-based armed groups claims control of villages in Russia, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with conflicting reports emerging from both Russian and Ukrainian sources regarding the alleged incursion and its aftermath.
