NewsRussian Border Towns Seized in Anti-Putin Assault by Volunteer Legions

Russian Border Towns Seized in Anti-Putin Assault by Volunteer Legions

Russians want to liberate the country. Expert talks about Putin.

Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL

7:44 AM EDT, March 13, 2024

The conflict ignited on a Tuesday morning when Russian forces aligned with Ukraine, including the Russian Volunteer Corps, the "Freedom for Russia" Legion, and the Siberian Battalion, launched assaults on border towns in western Russia. They claimed to have seized control of Tetkino in the Kursk region and Lozova Ruda in the Belgorod region.

"The Russian Federation remains an empire. We pave the path to liberation for Russians and nations subjugated by Moscow," proclaimed a statement from one of the groups.

Ukrainian political scientist Boris Tiesenhausen has weighed in on the actions of these legions, arguing that their goal is to liberate Russia from Putin’s control.

"Representatives of the 'Freedom for Russia' Legion, Russian Volunteer Corps, 'Siberian Battalion' are fighting for both Russia and Ukraine. Rather than backing Putin's regime, which they label as a terrorist, they aim to free Russia," Tiesenhausen was quoted as saying by the news website 24tv.au.

What will happen with the elections in Russia?

The anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections in Russia, where Vladimir Putin is the prohibitive favorite, adds a layer of intrigue.

"Orders were given not to quell the insurgent units at any cost. They were even permitted to take control of Russian towns. This challenges the Russian president," the Ukrainian analyst commented.

Suppose these volunteers manage to hold the border towns over a prolonged period. Residents may find evacuating safer in that case, as Putin might resort to the same force previously witnessed in Mariupol or Avdiivka.

"In reality, elections in towns near the Ukrainian border may not be viable. The Freedom for Russia Legion, Russian Volunteer Corps, and Siberian Battalion have gained substantial support and have the necessary equipment. Today, they represent more than a mere nuisance; they are a significant force that Putin must contend with," added Tiesenhausen.