A Legion spokesman told British media the war in Ukraine can only end if the Putin regime is toppled. Only Russia can do that, the spokesman said.
Artillery bombardments
The current situation in the area around Belgorod is difficult to estimate, says Wijninga. “The rebels have set up defensive lines. They can hide behind that and maybe hang on for a while.’ Artillery strikes from Ukraine on Russian territory were also reported. “In that sense, the question is whether it’s all over.”
According to Wijninga, it is a group of Russians who want to overthrow Putin’s regime and thus liberate their country. ‘But it’s too small a group to make a significant difference. It is an accident, one more dimension than this war which is nevertheless very confusing. It doesn’t get any clearer than that.’
Although news of the siege broke earlier in the week, Russia only announced today that it had regained control. According to Wijninga, this may have to do with the fact that there were few Russian soldiers on site. “I think the legion looked very carefully where they could cross the border, and they did so in a place where there were few Russians to make such a small advance into Russian territory.”
“It can be assumed that this was done with Ukrainian support”
PR stunt
It then reminds Wijninga of a publicity stunt. We are here, we are important and we want to liberate Russia. It can be assumed that this was done with Ukrainian support.’ According to the defense specialist, the rebel attack could be a way for the Ukrainians to show the Russians that their border region is not safe. “Which means soldiers have to be stationed there, who can’t be deployed anywhere else.”
A false flag operation under Russian direction is less likely. “This was clearly done with Western equipment, including American Humvees. We know that these clubs are fighting on the Ukrainian side and we also know that they are controlled by the Ukrainian secret service.’
Rhetoric
The Legion of Freedom for Russia will be seen by Putin as soldiers fighting on the side of Ukraine. An image that fits well with the ‘victim role’ that Russia often plays, says Wijninga. “Russia is being attacked with that rhetoric. With this, Russia can try to get more support for the war, also in view of a possible mobilisation’.
Live Blog | Day 454 of the war in Ukraine