Russia elections LIVE: City on fire as anti-Vladimir Putin rebels launch new attacks | World | News
The Russian city of Belgorod, which shares a border with Ukraine, sustained more attacks from Ukraine-backing paramilitary units made up of Russians opposing Vladimir Putin, it has been claimed.
A video circulating on social media shows thick plumes of smoke rising from fires sparked in the city’s street, suggesting the incursion announced on Wednesday continues. Express.co.uk hasn’t been able to immediately verify this clip.
Three pro-Ukraine units are said to be taking part in these raids into the Russian territory: the Freedom of Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion.
On Friday, the Legion had pleaded with residents of Belgorod to remain inside, signalling an imminent major strike on Russian military targets within the city.
The skirmishes prompted voting for the Russian presidential election to be paused for a few hours on Friday morning.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the GUR intelligence directorate, said: “Kursk and Belgorod regions are now an area of active combat actions. This is what we confirm.
“And as stated by the volunteers and rebels, we are talking about Russian citizens who, having no other options, are defending their civil rights with arms against the Putin regime.”
Reports of fresh attacks in Belgorod come as Russia has entered its second day of voting in the presidential election, set to confirm Putin in power for six more years.
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