Attack on Russia’s Belgorod Oblast: Insurgent group admits responsibility

The Freedom of Russia Legion, a group of Russian volunteers supporting Ukrainian forces, admits responsibility for an attack near Terebreno in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, escalating tensions in the border region.

"Assault units of the Freedom of Russia Legion entered the Belgorod Oblast of the Russian Federation, destroyed a platoon strongpoint of Putin's troops near the already familiar Terebreno, accomplished their assigned tasks, and have already returned. Photos/videos will come later, after we catch our breath," the Freedom of Russia Legion wrote on Telegram.

Tyerebreno is situated near the border with the Sumy Oblast of Ukraine, with approximately 200 residents. According to preliminary information, the battle began around 11 AM on 17 December.

Ukrainian intelligence confirmed combat clashes between Russian forces and 'opponents of the Kremlin regime' in the bordering Belgorod region of Russia. The Main Intelligence Directorate did not explain who the 'opponents of the Kremlin regime' were. However, they noted that the unexpected attack on the positions of the Russian army caused panic among the personnel of the local garrison. Specifically, following orders from Russian commanders, chaotic artillery fire was opened on surrounding villages. The governor of Belgorod Oblast, Vyacheslav Gladkov, also confirmed that a firefight occurred on the border of the village of Terebreno. Later, he reported minor damage to civilian infrastructure and specified that there were no injured civilians. On 12 December, fighters from the Freedom of Russia Legion destroyed the Murom-P long-range visual reconnaissance complex in Russia's Belgorod Oblast. They did this using a drone. The legion has already conducted several raids in Russian regions bordering Ukraine. Read more:

• Locals terrified as Ukraine war crosses into Russia
• Ukraine’s intel: Russian anti-Putin fighters preparing “surprise for Russia” 
• Freedom of Russia insurgents claim they are “moving forward” in Russia’s Belgorod region
• Russian insurgents claim to kill Belgorod counterinsurgency senior officer