Investing.com - Russian forces are carrying on with a counter-terrorism operation in a border district, following what seems to be one of the largest cross-border incursions from Ukraine since the conflict began over a year ago. On Monday, Russia claimed it was confronting an infiltration by Ukrainian saboteurs who entered the Belgorod region. However, a Ukrainian presidential adviser stated that Kyiv's government is monitoring the situation but denies any involvement.
Ukrainian military intelligence reportedly blames two armed Russian opposition groups – Liberty of Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer Corps – both made up of Russian citizens, for initiating the attack. Vyacheslav Gladkov, a regional governor in Russia, confirmed through Telegram that the counter-terrorism operation was still underway and that territory cleaning efforts were ongoing with assistance from law enforcement agencies.
Previously, Gladkov reported at least eight people injured due to this incident and several buildings damaged; many residents had left their homes as well. He also mentioned restrictions on movements and communications within affected areas. Drone attacks targeted two more buildings overnight; thus returning home remains impossible for displaced residents.
According to Gladkov, one woman lost her life during evacuation efforts on Monday while reports suggest that two others sustained injuries. Reaching these individuals has become Tuesday's top priority.
The Russian Volunteer Corps released video footage late Monday displaying fighters inspecting an allegedly captured armored vehicle along with another video featuring fighters operating such vehicles on rural roads. Reports have circulated about captured Russian servicemen alongside images of their identification documents across social media platforms within both countries; however, independent verification remains unattainable.
Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency cited Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating President Vladimir Putin had been briefed regarding these developments and actions were being taken to eliminate the "saboteurs."
The Telegram channel Baza, known for its connections to Russian security services, noted signs of conflict in three settlements along the primary route into Russia. Simultaneously, another Telegram channel called "Open Belgorod" reported disrupted power and water supplies affecting several villages.
Liberty of Russia Legion claimed on Twitter that it had completely liberated the border town of Kozinka and advanced further east to Graivoron's district center. The group declared their commitment towards a free Russia.
Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February last year. According to Kremlin statements, this recent incursion by Ukrainian saboteurs aims at diverting attention from their capture of eastern Ukrainian city Bakhmut after nine months of intense fighting. Russia believes that taking control over Bakhmut paves the way for more territorial gains within Donbas – an industrial region situated in Eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine contends that its progress against Russian forces elsewhere is more significant than withdrawing from Bakhmut itself and argues that Russia would need to weaken other defense lines before sending reinforcements to secure the devastated city.
On Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian military reported over 30 clashes across frontline sectors with most intense fighting concentrated around Bakhmut and Maryinka located further south. Despite these claims, independent verification remains unavailable.