Russian opposition groups taking refuge in Ukraine on Monday attacked three villages in Russia's Belgorod region from Ukrainian territory. "Russia will be liberated," proclaimed the legion "Svoboda Rossii" ("Freedom of Russia"), one of the two groups claiming responsibility for the operation.
The Directorate of Ukrainian Military Intelligence (GUR) states that this incursion, carried out exclusively by Russian citizens, aims to create a "security strip" for the Ukrainian population. The Russian authorities immediately announced the launch of an anti-terrorist operation in the area.