On 12 March 2024, Ukrainian-backed armed groups entered the territory of Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts in Russia from the territory of Ukraine. At least three groups, namely the Freedom of Russia Legion , Russian Volunteer Corps and Sibir Battalion participated in the incursion. They claimed control of four settlements in Kursk and Belgorod Oblasts, and multiple other areas remained under contested control. The Russian defence ministry denied this, repeatedly claiming it had beaten back the attackers and forced them to retreat, despite continued fighting in the region.[20]
^ a b "On Cam: Russian Missile Shoots Down Ukrainian Mi-8; Helicopter Heading Towards Belgorod Burns" . Hindustan Times . 17 March 2024.
^ Brooke, James (20 March 2024). "Putin, After Re-Election Hoopla, Faces the Question That Worried the Tsars: How Does One Defend World's Largest Country?" . The New York Sun . Retrieved 20 March 2024 .
^ a b c Cite error: The named reference ISW March 21
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^ "Chechen leader reports two new battalions joining troops in Donbass" . TASS . Retrieved 8 August 2023 .
^ Cite error: The named reference sibir flag
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^ "В ичкерийском подразделении заявили о захвате сельской администрации в Белгородской области" (in Russian). 17 March 2024.
^ Cite error: The named reference Getica
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^ "Claimed areas of control at T'otkine, Kursk region, and Lozova Rudka, Bilhorod region," . X (formerly Twitter) . Retrieved 10 April 2024 .
^ "Map of the territories of the Seversky Territory and Belgorod liberated by the coalition forces" . X (formerly Twitter) . Retrieved 10 April 2024 .
^ "Ukraine-backed anti-Kremlin fighters say they are still operating inside Russia" . Reuters . 21 March 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024 .
^ Cite error: The named reference HUR involvement
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^ Cite error: The named reference ISW March 15
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^ Cite error: The named reference ISW March 19
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^ "Putin, After Re-Election Hoopla, Faces the Question That Worried the Tsars: How Does One Defend World's Largest Country?" . The New York Sun . 20 March 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024 .
^ "Погиб российский доброволец Дани Таммам Акель с позывным "Апостол", — ЛСР (видео)" . ФОКУС (in Russian). 27 March 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024 .
^ "Ukraine Situation Report: Claims Swirl Around Cross-Border Raids Into Russia" . The War Zone . 12 March 2024.
^ a b c "2 Belgorod Civilians Killed in 'Massive' Border Shelling, Governor Says" . The Moscow Times . 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024 .
^ a b c d Kovtun, Yelyzaveta (21 March 2024). "Legion "Freedom of Russia" captures 37 Russian soldiers during raid" . online.ua . Ukrinform . Retrieved 21 March 2024 .
^ "Российские "военкоры" сообщили об атаке вооруженных групп на приграничные районы Белгородской и Курской областей Легион "Свобода России" утверждает, что это его бойцы "пересекли границу". ФСБ и Минобороны РФ это отрицают" . Meduza .
^ "Anti-Kremlin fighters launch cross-border attacks into Russia from Ukraine" . Reuters . 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024 .
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