Pro-Ukrainian units are probably fighting in Belgorod and Kursk

Russian fighters from various pro-Ukrainian troops have apparently launched a joint operation. Tanks are probably also crossing the border into Russia.

On Tuesday morning, fighters from Russia’s Freedom Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion apparently launched a joint operation. The pro-Ukrainian troops are said to have entered the Russian border regions of Belgorod and Kursk. According to military bloggers, there will be heavy fighting. The reports cannot currently be independently confirmed.

Ilya Ponomaryov, a former State Duma deputy and opponent of Vladimir Putin’s regime, also reported on the operation. According to Ponomaryov, the militants are said to have taken control of the border village of Lozovaya Rudka. There are also said to be fighting in the Kursk region. In addition, an air alarm was apparently triggered in the city of Belgorod.

The Freedom for Russia militia said on the Telegram online service that its fighters had destroyed an armored Russian military vehicle in the town of Tyotkino in the Kursk region. The governor of Kursk confirmed the attack and reported one person slightly injured, but denied any “breakthrough” by the attackers.

The fighters of the Freedom Legion of Russia announced, among others, on Platform X that they would “go to the Russian presidential elections.” On Tuesday morning they posted a video: “Good morning from the Russian-Ukrainian border.” They are Russian citizens and as Russian citizens they have the right to express their will. “And our will is not to recognize a bloody dictator as Russian president.” Putin himself should be sent to the “Polar Wolf” prison camp, where Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny died.

You can see footage that shows the “Freedom Legion” on Russian territory and the first firefights in the video above or directly here.

“We come to free you from poverty and dictatorship,” the Legion says in the video. “We will do everything to make our dream come true.”

The Siberian Battalion posted a video on Telegram with a message. The fighters say that it is not possible to “peacefully overthrow the criminal dictatorial regime in the Russian Federation.” The message continues: “It can only be eliminated with the weapon in hand.” On Tuesday night they began “to keep this promise”. The fighters called for people to join them.

Andriy Yusov, spokesman for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, told the media “League” that the fighters are likely to carry out joint “activities.” However, they operated as independent entities.

“On the territory of the Russian Federation, these structures operate autonomously, and the Russian citizens who are part of them are ultimately in their homeland,” Yusov said.

Videos are increasingly appearing on social media that also show tanks with European Union flags that are said to be on Russian territory. The Legion said it crossed the border with tanks, Liga reports.

Apparently the reason for the timing of the military operation is that the Kremlin also wants to hold elections in the occupied territories in Ukraine. These are scheduled to take place from March 15th to 17th. Elections will take place in Russia on March 17th. The presidential elections are considered sham elections. The outcome that Vladimir Putin will be reappointed president is considered likely.

Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began two years ago, pro-Ukrainian militias have launched military operations on Russian territory several times. The “Russian Freedom Legion” in particular repeatedly draws attention to itself with video messages in which it sharply criticizes the Kremlin leadership. You can read more about the volunteer corps here.