The Ukrainian military struggled to maintain control over any settlements. In contrast, a former Russian politician in exile asserted that forces had taken control of 2 villages. Two Russian-supporting paramilitary groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and Siberian Battalion (SB), claimed to have entered Russian territory and encountered the country’s forces.
However, Moscow denied any significant advancements on Tuesday. Social media videos appeared to show armed individuals in Belgorod and Kursk regions within Russia.
According to the Russian news agency Tass, citing information from the Defence Ministry and the Federal Security Service, Ukrainian forces were pushed out of certain territories, experiencing losses.
Although a former Russian politician asserted that the Ukrainian military controlled two villages, Tass reports that they could not maintain control over any settlements.
On March 12, the Defence Ministry stated that Ukrainian forces attempted to invade the Belgorod Region simultaneously at three locations: Odnorobovka, Nekhoteyevka, and Spodaryushino. These forces were targeted by aviation, artillery, and rocket forces. The Russian intelligence agency, FSB, reported that since March 10, Ukraine has suffered over 100 casualties, six tanks, a CAESAR self-propelled artillery unit, 20 armored fighting vehicles, and a strongpoint.
Ukraine refutes any involvement in the matter, stating that the paramilitary groups are “independent organizations of Russian nationals, thus operating within their own country.”
The ongoing Russian military operation against Ukraine, which began in February 2022, marks a significant war in Europe since World War Two. A video posted by FRL appears to depict a border area shared by Russia and Ukraine.
In the video, an armed individual is heard expressing, “Like all our fellow citizens in the Legion, we aspire for a Russia liberated from Putin’s dictatorship. However, we don’t merely dream; we put forth our utmost efforts to make our dreams a reality. We will take our land away from the regime, inch by inch.”
The Security Service (SB) of Ukraine reports that “intense combat is underway on the Russian Federation territory.”
The military group also criticized the Russian presidential elections scheduled for 15-17 March, where Vladimir Putin is anticipated to secure victory. The SB declared, “Ballots and polling stations in this case are fictitious. You can truly improve your life only by holding weapons in your hands.”
