**Russian Rebel Battalions Launch Operation in Russia**
Russian rebel battalions have launched a 10-day operation against Russian forces on their own soil. The battalions, which include the Free Russian Legion and the Siberian Battalion, claim to have taken control of several villages and destroyed military equipment.
The operation is being called a “special liberation operation of Russia from Putin” by the rebel groups. They say they are fighting against Vladimir Putin‘s regime and aim to push Russian forces back from Ukraine’s border.
**The Operation**
The rebel battalions announced their operation on March 12th, saying they had taken control of several villages in the Belgorod and Kursk oblasts. They claimed to have destroyed an ammunition depot and military equipment, and said that they were fighting against Russian forces in the region.
The Siberian Battalion reported taking control of a settlement called Gorkovsky, while the Free Russian Legion claimed to have raised their flags over a village called Kozinka.
**Damage to Russia**
According to the rebel battalions, they have caused significant damage to Russian military equipment and personnel. They claim to have destroyed 130 units of equipment, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and mortars.
The Free Russia Legion also reported that Russian forces had suffered:
* 651 irreversible losses (killed soldiers)
* 908 sanitary losses (wounded soldiers)
* 37 taken captive
**Ukraine’s Role**
A representative of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence said that the rebel battalions are acting autonomously and independently on Russian soil. However, they acknowledged that Ukraine is providing some assistance to the rebel groups.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is helping the rebel battalions with their operations in Russia. This help is seen as a way for Ukraine to support people who are fighting against its occupiers.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com