Anti-Kremlin militias equipped by Ukraine hold a press conference in Kyiv, claiming to have disrupted Russian plans and eased pressure on Ukrainian troops by launching cross-border raids into Russia's Belgorod and Kursk oblasts. The militias, including the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion, allege significant damage to Russian forces and the capture of Russian soldiers. They claim to have received support from Ukraine and aim to continue their "liberation campaign" even after Ukraine's victory. The scale and impact of their incursions are disputed, and the Russian Defense Ministry has released footage of disabled hardware.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the FSB to hunt down and "punish" Russians who have betrayed the country by fighting with Ukrainians against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Militia groups, such as the Russian Volunteer Corps, have been carrying out attacks inside Russian territory, leading to casualties and chaos in border regions. Putin has called for strengthening anti-terrorism operations and border security, while also considering establishing a "buffer" zone along the Ukraine border. Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied responsibility for the cross-border raids but admitted to working with anti-Kremlin groups when they operate within Ukraine.
Pro-Ukrainian forces, including anti-Putin Russian militias, have staged cross-border raids into Russian territory, temporarily seizing a village in the Kursk region. The incursions are seen as an attempt to influence the Russian presidential election and demonstrate an alternative to Putin's leadership. While these raids may bolster Putin's image as a defender of Russia, they also serve as part of Ukraine's diversion strategy to push Moscow to allocate resources for defending entry points into Russian territory.
Pro-Ukrainian proxy forces have been carrying out sporadic attacks inside Russia, including bombings and incursions, which have intensified in recent weeks. The attacks have targeted the periphery of Russia's Western border with Ukraine, as well as locations hundreds of miles within Russia. The cross-border raids are having the effect of accelerating the panic of the Russian forces and drawing them away from front lines, which supports the Ukrainian offensive. The attacks are being carried out by small groups, some of which have links to neo-Nazi groups, and are possibly being supported by Ukrainian military intelligence.
