Week 66: The raid into Russia
A map of the incursion into Belgorod Oblast.
Incursion into Belgorod.
This week, anti-Kremlin Russian military groups known as the "Russian Volunteer Corps" and "The Freedom of Russia Legion," fighting alongside the Ukrainian armed forces, made an incursion into Belgorod and temporarily seized control of several settlements. Although the occupation lasted just over a day, this event poses an embarrassing situation for Russia and could potentially have significant implications for the future of the conflict within Ukraine.
Logos of the Russian Volunteer Corps (L) and The Freedom of Russia Legion (R)
Currently, Ukraine has deployed substantial forces along its entire border with Russia and Belarus, in addition to its frontline positions in the eastern and southern parts of the country. In contrast, Russia has allocated minimal forces for the defence of its own border, focusing its army primarily on the main front in Ukraine. This incursion has exposed the vulnerability of the Russian border, despite the defensive positions they have constructed along much of it. Ukraine, along with anti-Kremlin Russian groups, can continue to exploit this weakness unless Russia withdraws troops from the frontline.
The Russian leadership now faces a dilemma: maintain their current deployment and allow Ukraine to exploit their weakness in defending national borders, or redeploy crucial forces in Ukraine and risk Ukraine taking advantage of this movement in their anticipated upcoming offensive. Russia has heavily invested in defensive measures, particularly along the southern front, over the past months. Any shift of soldiers away from these positions will inevitably weaken them and increase the chances of a successful Ukrainian breakthrough.
Vehicles used in the incursion including American “Humvee“ trucks and “MaxxPro” Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
One concern for Ukraine relates to the use of American equipment. The United States had indicated that the equipment they supply should only be used for defensive purposes within Ukrainian territory, not for offensive operations into Russia itself. While Ukraine maintains that its soldiers were not involved in the attack, numerous American armoured vehicles were used during the raid, with some captured and others destroyed. The response from the United States, NATO, and the broader Western community is yet to be seen.
Furthermore, the attack and any potential future attacks, are likely to inflame the already pro-war sentiment among the Russian population, who will then support greater escalation of the conflict.
However, it is likely that Russia's response will be minimal, as numerous "red lines" set by Russia have been crossed in the past without a significant reaction.
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