A nonetheless picture from video, launched by Russia’s Defence Ministry, exhibits what it mentioned to be an aerial assault of Russian armed forces in opposition to Ukrainian militants within the Belgorod area, at an unknown location, on this picture taken from handout footage launched Might 23, 2023. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout by way of REUTERS
The Russian army mentioned on Tuesday it had routed militants who attacked a Russian border area with armored automobiles the day prior to this, killing greater than 70 “Ukrainian nationalists” and pushing the rest again into Ukraine.
In what gave the impression to be one of many largest incursions from Ukraine because the struggle started 15 months in the past, two purported anti-Kremlin armed teams using Russians primarily based overseas mentioned they have been liable for the assault in Russia’s Belgorod area.
The Russian protection ministry, which blamed the Ukrainian authorities, mentioned its forces had surrounded the enemy fighters and defeated them with “air strikes, artillery hearth and energetic motion by border items”.
It mentioned greater than 70 Ukrainian fighters had been killed and 4 armored automobiles and 5 pick-up vans destroyed.
“The remnants of the nationalists have been pushed again to Ukrainian territory, the place they continued to be hit by gunfire till they have been utterly eradicated,” the ministry added.
Belgorod regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov mentioned a civilian had been killed by “the Ukrainian armed forces”.
In an announcement simply after midnight, properly after the army introduced the tip of the incursion, Gladkov reported a brand new incident, an explosive machine dropped from a drone.
His put up on Telegram messaging app mentioned there have been no accidents and confirmed an image of a broken automotive. A drone was later downed by anti-aircraft hearth, he wrote.
Reuters was unable to confirm any of the assertions.
One of many two combating teams – the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) – mentioned on social media: “Sooner or later we’ll come to remain.”
In a later assertion, the group mentioned it has suffered no losses within the incursion.
A second group, the Freedom of Russia Legion, mentioned it had “demilitarized” a Russian motorized rifle firm and destroyed armored automobiles.
“…Putin’s forces haven’t distinguished themselves with any successes prior to now day,” it mentioned on social media. “…Whereas they cowardly disguise within the bushes, we are going to transfer ahead to our purpose — the entire liberation of Russia!”
Nothing to do with us, Ukraine says
Ukraine’s authorities had mentioned it was watching the scenario however had “nothing to do with it”. It mentioned the identical in March when one of many teams – which Moscow mentioned consisted of far-right Russian extremists managed by Ukrainian intelligence – mounted an incursion into one other border area.
Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Safety Council, mentioned Kyiv’s denial was “lies” and that the attackers deserved to be exterminated “like rats”.
Belgorod’s Gladkov mentioned he had cancelled a “counter-terrorism operation” that had since Monday allowed authorities to introduce restrictions on freedom of motion and communication.
Earlier on Tuesday, he had mentioned safety forces have been nonetheless mopping up. He mentioned an aged lady had died whereas being evacuated and three individuals had been injured. Later he added, with out offering element, {that a} civilian had been killed.
The Freedom of Russia Legion is a Ukraine-based Russian militia led by Russian opposition determine Ilya Ponomaryov that claims it’s working to overthrow President Vladimir Putin.
Ponomaryov is needed in Russia, the place the authorities have accused him of spreading false details about the military and designated him a terrorist.
The RVC, which claimed duty for the March incursion, was based in August by Ukraine-based Russian nationalist Denis Kapustin, and introduced on Might 17 that it was becoming a member of forces with the Legion.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned Russia was conducting its “particular army operation” in Ukraine partially to make sure that such incidents couldn’t be repeated.
Kyiv and its Western supporters say Russia’s marketing campaign is an unprovoked invasion to seize Ukrainian territory. Moscow says it’s defending its personal safety from an ever-expanding NATO.
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