Ukraine: behind the Belgorod incident
The two-day incursion (22-23 May) into the Russian region of Belgorod by the Freedom for Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps — military units made up of Russian citizens who are fighting for Ukraine — caused panic amongst Russian officials and was widely covered across the media. The Russian militias claim they briefly occupied up to 42sqkm of Russian territory, and had two fighters killed. While some details remain obscure the broad politics of the matter are now clear. It is inconceivable that such an operation, involving scores of Russian fighters, carried in tanks and armoured...