On Wednesday, March 13, Russian volunteer forces fighting alongside Kyiv issued a plea for civilians to evacuate Belgorod and Kursk, cautioning of imminent large-scale attacks targeting military objectives in these Russian border cities.
In a joint statement, three predominantly Russian citizen groups – the Freedom of Russia Legion (LSR), the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), and the Siberian Battalion – implored local authorities to prioritize human lives and initiate the evacuation of Kursk and Belgorod.
This call for evacuation follows the groups’ claim of seizing the village of Tyotkino in Russia’s Kursk region one day prior.
“Putin’s assassins are launching massive strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities, positioning their military installations amidst residential areas, schools, and government institutions. The bombardment of Ukraine from the territory of Belgorod must cease!
“In this regard, we are forced to inflict fire damage on military positions in Belgorod and Kursk. To avoid civilian casualties, we urge everyone to leave the cities immediately,” the statement reads.
On Tuesday, March 12, Russian volunteers fighting alongside Ukraine declared that they initiated a cross-border assault into the Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia and are currently involved in combat operations. Shortly thereafter, the Freedom of Russia Legion revealed that anti-Kremlin volunteers had reportedly seized full control of the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region.
“Putin’s army quickly escapes from the village, abandoning positions and leaving behind heavy equipment,” the statement of LSR read.
Moscow denied that the fighters had made ground this week, and later posted a statement alleging it had repelled all incursions.
On Wednesday, March 13, LSR fighters reported the destruction of a Russian control center, stating, “We are approaching a crisis for the defense industry of the bloody regime. Anyway, it does not work for defense, but for attack.”
However, the LSR fighters refrained from specifying the precise location of the demolished Russian control center or disclosing the weaponry employed. Furthermore, the Legion shared a video communication featuring two fighters stationed in the village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region. The Russian Freedom Legion had previously asserted full dominance over the settlement.
“We are fighting in Tyotkino… We are alive, we are tired, we are with you,” one fighter expressed in the video. Another Russian volunteer mentioned their ongoing advance through the village, amidst heavy shelling of the streets.
“The streets are heavily shelled. We are still waiting for a local police officer with whom we need to talk, and local residents who need to be freed,” he explained.
The video ended with the fighters proclaiming, “Glory to Ukraine – Glory to the Heroes.”
Subsequently, LSR released another video depicting a morning clash with Russian forces, stating, “Putin’s troops tried to enter from the rear, but Legion attack aircraft repelled the attack and struck back.”
“In terms of enemy losses, we will be able to say later, but visually, we beat them up,” they added.
