Title: Russian Soldiers Turn Against Putin, Launch Daring Assaults into Russia from Ukraine
In a daring and unprecedented move, Russian soldiers have turned against their own government and are now fighting for the Ukrainian side by launching incursions back into Russia. Gathered in a Ukrainian farmhouse, these soldiers checked their kits and prepared for a stealthy and daring night assault across the border.
The goal of these soldiers is to break through Russian defenses and open a path for another unit to drive deeper into Russia with tanks and armored personnel carriers. By both Ukrainian and Russian accounts, fierce fighting has raged along Russia’s southern border for five days in the most sweeping ground attacks into Russia since its military invaded Ukraine two years ago.
The attacks are timed to undermine the stability of President Vladimir V. Putin’s quest for a fifth term, with three days of voting wrapping up on Sunday. Ukraine has been increasingly bold in staging direct attacks inside Russia, including sabotaging railroads, hitting refineries, and backing groups driving tanks across the border.
The Russian exile groups conducting these assaults have declined to disclose their numbers but confirm the use of tanks in the fighting. These attacks are intended to show resistance to Putin during the election period and disrupt the sense of stability in Russia.
The ground fighting coincides with long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and cities. Despite setbacks, these attacks divert Russian air defenses, put a dent in Russia’s oil economy, and create leverage in future negotiations.
The Ukrainian-backed groups have suffered setbacks, with Russian jets bombing near the border inside Ukraine and authorities ordering evacuations of towns and villages. Despite challenges, these soldiers remain determined to hold territory inside Russia and disrupt Putin’s assumptions of immunity from retaliatory attacks.
The soldiers’ mission faced obstacles as one tank broke down and another was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade in the fighting. The group returned to their base without breaking through the Russian border defenses, highlighting the challenges and risks involved in these daring assaults.
The ongoing conflict between Russian soldiers turned rebels and the Russian government adds a new dimension to the already complex situation in the region. The outcome of these daring assaults and the impact on the geopolitical landscape remain to be seen.
