Three Ukraine-based Russian paramilitary groups say they have crossed into Russia and are now fighting government troops there.
The Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL) and Siberian Battalion (SB) posted videos purportedly showing their fighters in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions.
The SVR and an exiled Russian politician claimed two villages were now in control of “liberation forces”.
Russia’s defence ministry said the breakthrough attempts were thwarted.
Ukraine’s military denied any involvement in Tuesday’s cross-border raids. Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the country’s military intelligence, said the paramilitary groups were “independent organisations” of Russian nationals, and therefore operating “at home”.
In a separate development, Russia said Ukraine had launched 25 drones on targets across Russia, but the attack was thwarted.
However, videos have emerged which appear to show several Russian oil facilities on fire.
Credit: bbc.com
