A group of pro-Ukrainian forces reported on Friday that they are "fighting Russian troops on the outskirts of a village located within Western Russia's borders," following Moscow's announcement of three border attacks.
The attacks came after significant incursions in the Belgorod region in Western Russia on May 22 and 23 and an increase in cross-border shelling in recent weeks, as Ukraine prepares to launch a major counteroffensive to reclaim territories occupied by Russia in the east and south.
A statement from the Legion noted, "Fighting is currently taking place on the outskirts of Novaya Tavolzhanka village (in Belgorod region). Unfortunately, fighters have been injured, but freedom is gained through blood."
The group claims to comprise Russians fighting against the government of President Vladimir Putin in an effort to establish a country that would be part of the "free world."
They, along with the Russian Volunteer Corps, assert that they are conducting the attacks independently and not under orders from Ukraine, which denies involvement.
Russia labels the two groups as "terrorist" organizations fighting on behalf of Kyiv. The Governor of Belgorod reported that "two women were killed and two others wounded in Ukrainian shelling on Friday."
The Russian Liberty Legion blamed Moscow for the shelling.
Alexey Baranovsky, spokesperson for the political wing of the Russian Liberty Legion, noted that "the border attacks aim to distract Russian defenses and force Moscow to divert troops from within Ukraine to support the border."
He added, "Our goal is to lure Russian forces away from other parts of the Ukrainian front."
