Russian Volunteer Corps launches raids into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions, aiming to divert Russian forces and disrupt offensives, as international support for Ukraine continues with substantial financial aid.
In a recent development amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, anti-Putin Russian fighters, prominently the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), have reported conducting cross-border raids into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Denis Nikitin, the leader of RDK, claimed these operations are aimed at opening a “second front” to divert Russian troops and disrupt their offensives. The group acknowledges receiving support from Ukraine in terms of reconnaissance and ammunition, with similar groups like the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion engaging in these raids.
In parallel, significant international support for Ukraine continues, with the European Union agreeing to redirect profits from frozen Russian assets, resulting in approximately €3bn in aid for Ukraine this year. The International Monetary Fund has also contributed a $880m payout to Ukraine. NATO’s military committee chief, Rob Bauer, emphasized the importance of swift aid delivery during a visit to Kyiv.
Despite these efforts, Russia claims territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, amidst ongoing missile attacks in cities including Kyiv and Mykolaiv, underscoring the volatile nature of the conflict. In one of the largest attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, Ukraine successfully intercepted all 31 missiles fired, although the debris injured at least 17 individuals and caused substantial damage. In response to the escalating tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western allies for further air defense support.
Meanwhile, Latvia is taking measures to strengthen its military capabilities against potential threats, including reintroducing conscription and investing in advanced weapons systems. This reflects a broader effort among the Baltic states to enhance NATO’s eastern border defenses, showcasing a region preparing for the possibility of conflict and demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine.
These developments highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with international support for Ukraine persisting amid continued efforts by Russian opposition groups to challenge Russian forces directly.
