Russian-backed militias from Ukraine report conducting incursions into Russian territory

Russian-backed militias from Ukraine report conducting incursions into Russian territory.

Three Ukrainian-based Russian paramilitary factions have announced their incursion into Russia, engaging in combat against government forces.

• The Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and Siberian Battalion (SB) have released videos allegedly depicting their presence in Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions. Reports from the SVR and a Russian opposition figure suggest that 'liberation forces' have gained control over two villages.

• Despite claims from Russia's defense ministry that they have thwarted these attempts, Ukraine's military denies any involvement in the cross-border raids. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence, emphasized that these paramilitary groups consist of Russian nationals and operate independently within their own country.
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• In a new development, Russia has reported that Ukraine launched 25 drones targeting sites across its territory, though the attack was successfully foiled. However, emerging videos suggest several Russian oil facilities are ablaze.

• Tragedy struck in the Ivanovo region, just east of Moscow, as an Il-76 military-transport plane crashed shortly after take-off, with no details yet on survivors. Videos circulating depict the plane ablaze in the sky before crashing, emitting plumes of black smoke.

• Meanwhile, the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) shared a video allegedly from the Russian-Ukrainian border, expressing their aspirations for a Russia liberated from Putin's rule. The Siberian Battalion (SB) claimed intense fighting within Russian territory, also denouncing the upcoming Russian presidential elections and advocating for armed resistance.

• Additionally, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) released footage purportedly showing their fighters engaging with Russian government troops, declaring the Kremlin's army surrendering without a fight.

• Notably, the border village of Tetkino in the Kursk region was reportedly targeted in Tuesday's raids, with the FRL claiming control over it. This was verified by the BBC through footage of a strike on an armoured personnel carrier.

• Mayor Igor Kutsak of Kursk has ordered schools to switch to remote learning due to recent events, maintaining a state of missile alert in the city.

• Earlier reports suggested Lozovaya Rudka village in the Belgorod region was under the control of "liberating forces".

• The Russian defence ministry stated its forces, along with border guards and FSB units, thwarted an attempt by Kyiv to breach Russian borders, with attacks repelled in various regions.

• These Ukraine-based Russian armed groups have been involved in cross-border raids since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. A similar attack last May in the Belgorod region was reportedly repelled by Russian military."