The Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps, made up of Russians fighting for Ukraine, are claiming they made advances into southern Russia.

Reports from both Ukrainian and Russian sources confirm their attacks into the Belgorod and Kursk regions, utilizing armored vehicles with the backing of mortar and artillery fire.

In addition to ground operations, Ukraine has reportedly launched drone attacks on Russian territory. It is targeting sites in multiple regions.

These attacks, including strikes on government buildings and military facilities, represent a significant escalation.

Russian’s fighting for Ukraine

The invasion is an interesting turning point in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This is the first time that Ukrainian separatist fighters have successfully invaded Russia. 

They claim to have seized control of the village of Tyotkino in southern Russia. And are threatening to march on Moscow.

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Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry downplayed the incidents, attributing them to "Ukrainian terrorist groups." Russia’s defense ministry claims it “thwarted” an armed incursion by Ukrainian armed forces into its western border regions of Kursk and Belgorod.

Either way it is an embarrassment to Russian President Vladimir Putin's image of control and stability.

This military action comes just days before Russian citizens are set to cast their votes in the presidential election. 

Despite widespread expectations of a landslide victory for Putin, recent polls indicate a decline in support for his administration, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine.

There is no doubt that Putin will be re-elected. Western analysts have long accused Russia of rigging its elections.

Putin Embarrassed

Jason Jay Smart, an expert on post-Soviet and international politics, remarked that the invasion of southern Russia challenges Putin's narrative of stability and control.

The incursion serves as a stark reminder that Putin's grip on power may not be as firm as perceived. And the claims that it is Russians fighting for Ukraine makes it more embarrassing.

Smart emphasized that these incidents underscore the inherent instability within Russia, posing a formidable challenge to Putin's regime.

 "Russians themselves, undoubtedly, recognize that their war against Ukraine made today's actions justifiable and must be alarmed that their own Russian soldiers cannot defend them because they are busy illegally occupying Ukraine," Smart claimed.

"Just days before the sham 'elections' in Russia, Putin has suffered another humiliation on par with Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's attempted coup and the last attempt that Ukraine made to send troops into Russia,” he continued.

"Russia is unstable," Smart added.