Two pro-Ukrainian Russian groups take on attacks in Russia.
The groups, which claim to consist of Russian citizens fighting for Ukraine, reportedly annoy the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin – seriously.
– The fact that there are Russians on the Ukrainian side who show resistance, it is something that disturbs the image of Russia standing united, says Jörgen Elfving, former lieutenant colonel.
The Siberia Battalion and the Freedom Legion of Russia (LSR) claim to have carried out military attacks in western Russia near the border with Ukraine. This is reported by several news agencies.
Drone strikes are also said to have been carried out in both regions. They also claim that they have taken “full control” over the village of Tyotkino.
However, the Ministry of Defense in Moscow claims on Tuesday evening that it has completely beaten back “Ukrainian terrorist groups”. A total of 234 Ukrainian soldiers are said to have been killed after crossing the border into Russia.
The attacks seem to irritate the Russian side
According to former lieutenant colonel Jörgen Elfving, the attacks by the pro-Ukrainian Russian groups can be regarded as sting operations – which reportedly irritate the Russian side.
– It is also a part of psychological warfare, that is, to show that there are Russians who are not loyal to the regime, he says in Efter fem.
What kind of groups are these?
– It is difficult to say what it is for some. But I have the impression that there are not very many of them in the respective grouping, and that they mainly have western material.
Russians fighting for Ukraine
The groups themselves claim to consist of Russian opponents of the Kremlin who voluntarily fight for Ukraine in the war against Russia.
How does this bother the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin?
– This is getting annoying. The very fact that there are Russians on the Ukrainian side who show resistance is something that disturbs the image of Russia standing united in this particular military operation, says Jörgen Elfving.
Believed to go better on Ukrainian soil
Ukraine has so far not commented on the alleged attacks against Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Monday that things are better on Ukrainian soil. He said that they have succeeded in stopping Russia in the East. Is it true?
– I consider what he says to be quite credible, because already last week it was stated from the Ukrainian side that they had stopped the Russian attacks west of Avdiivka, says Jörgen Elfving.