Putin acknowledges border incursion amid claims of heavy guerrilla losses
Three groups of armed formations broke through the border overnight from Monday to Tuesday. The attack occurred simultaneously in the Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia.
Putin confirms attack on the border
The Russian Defense Ministry claims the Russian Armed Forces "repelled all attacks". Losses allegedly inflicted on the guerrillas were also reported - they amount to about 300 people and several pieces of destroyed equipment. There is no way to verify this information.
Statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense contradict those issued by the Legion "Freedom of Russia". On Tuesday evening, the guerrillas posted a video online with the caption: "Putin's soldiers should prepare for the night".
"We appeal to our fellow citizens living in the border zone to stay vigilant and, if possible, not to leave their shelters. Have a good night, take care of yourselves! And we will keep our positions and move forward. Tomorrow will be a new day. There will be a new Russia!" - we read in the post on Telegram.
"We're spending the night in our homeland"
At 9 a.m. GMT, the legionnaires posted a picture with the caption: "Home is where you can breathe easier and rest more comfortably. We're spending the night in our homeland."
In an interview for Rossija1 and RIA Novosti, Putin confirmed that an attack on the border had taken place and stated that it involved "foreign mercenaries".
- On the border of the state, the enemy tried to attack primarily with sabotage groups; according to the latest report from the General Staff, some 300 people died, including foreign mercenaries - Putin stated.
The legionnaires are reported to fully control, among other places, the village of Tiotkino in the Kursk region of Russia.
