Kursk, Russia – Pro-Ukrainian militias have claimed responsibility for crossing into Russian border regions and launching attacks, sparking tensions between Ukraine and Russia. These actions were reportedly carried out by groups of pro-Kyiv Russian volunteer fighters who oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attacks coincide with Ukraine’s largest drone and missile offensive since its invasion of Russia in February 2022.
The Ukrainian offensive resulted in two oil refineries in Russia being set ablaze, adding fuel to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Former member of the Russian Duma, Ilya Ponomarev, now serving as the political head of the Freedom of Russia Legion, claimed responsibility for the raids in a joint operation with the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion.
While the Legion stated that clashes with Russian forces were ongoing, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported that its forces had successfully repelled the attacks by what they referred to as “Ukrainian terrorist groups.” Despite claims of multiple attacks from various directions, the Ministry declared that all Ukrainian assaults were thwarted using aircraft, rockets, and artillery.
The attacks led to a shootout in the Kursk region, prompting schools to switch to online classes for safety reasons. The Russian Volunteer Corps also posted night-vision video footage showing troops engaged in a firefight, further highlighting the escalating hostilities between the two countries. Despite these events, Ukraine’s military intelligence clarified that the Russian volunteer groups were not operating under orders from Kyiv.
The timing of the attacks, just before Russia’s presidential elections, raised suspicions of ulterior motives behind the incursions into Russian territory. A spokesperson for the political wing of the Freedom of Russia Legion criticized the elections, labeling them as a guise for the formation of Putin’s dictatorship. Concurrently, Kyiv launched a significant drone strike on Russia, resulting in the downing of 25 Ukrainian drones and attacks on energy facilities. These actions further exacerbated tensions between the neighboring nations.