Ex-Wagner fighters Join Free Russia Army’s Battle to Liberate Russia from Putin Occupation

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, ethnic Russian volunteer forces have declared their determination to continue their campaign on Russian territory, even as they battle on behalf of Ukraine with the goal to liberate Russia from Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship. Led by Denis Kapustin, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) includes former fighters from the notorious Wagner Group, a private military company with alleged ties to the Russian government.

In a recent press conference in Kyiv, Kapustin revealed that ex-Wagner Group fighters have been actively involved in the RDK’s operations, both in Ukraine and in the recent offensive launched into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions. This bold incursion into Russian territory, which reportedly resulted in the capture of two towns and significant casualties among Russian forces, underscores the audacity of these volunteer units.

One of the volunteer fighters, identified as Kholod from the Freedom of Russia Legion, expressed determination to escalate their efforts, vowing to march on other cities in Russia. This declaration reflects a belief among these volunteers that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority is waning, and they see an opportunity to challenge his regime from within.

The situation in the affected regions of Russia, particularly in Graivoron near the Ukrainian border, has become increasingly dire. Authorities have issued evacuation orders, urging residents to temporarily leave the area due to ongoing shelling and escalating tensions. The proximity of Graivoron to Ukrainian territories under attack has made it a target for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread disruption.

Heavy fighting has been going on in Russia’s Belgorod city for the past week or so with the Russian rebels making significant progress to liberating the city from Putin’s hands and becoming their first major conquered city.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, has announced plans to establish checkpoints in border settlements and evacuate thousands of children from the region. These measures indicate the seriousness of the threat posed by the conflict spilling over into Russian territory and the authorities’ efforts to mitigate its impact on civilians.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv continue to bear the brunt of attacks originating from the Belgorod and Kursk regions, with civilians paying the ultimate price for the escalating violence. As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the actions of Russian volunteer forces operating in Ukraine and now within Russian borders add a new dimension to an already complex and volatile situation, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation and destabilization in the region.

The recent offensive launched by Russian anti-Putin combatant groups that have become collectively known as “Free Russia Army” into the Belgorod and Kursk regions resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating up to 1,000 Russian Armed Forces killed in the intense fighting. The incursion also led to the capture of two towns in Russia, further highlighting the audacity of these volunteer units in challenging Russian authorities on their own soil.

In the town of Graivoron near the Ukrainian border, which has faced regular shelling, authorities have called for evacuation as tensions escalate. The governor of Belgorod Oblast announced plans to set up checkpoints in border settlements and evacuate thousands of children from the region, underscoring the severity of the situation and the measures being taken to protect civilians.

The ongoing conflict continues to impact Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv, which have been targeted by attacks originating from Russian territories. The toll on civilians is mounting, with reports of five civilians killed in Kharkiv on March 20th alone, highlighting the human cost of the escalating violence.

Amid these developments, the actions of Russian volunteer forces raise concerns about further destabilization in the region and the potential for the conflict to escalate. With tensions already high and no end to the fighting in sight, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, posing significant challenges for both Ukraine and the international community.