KYIV: A senior Ukrainian intelligence official has said that armed groups of those Russians opposing Kremlin are trying to intrude into Russian territory, turning two border regions into active war zones.
Three Ukraine-based groups have issued statements saying they were seeking armed operations in Belgorod and Kursk regions and asking residents to leave towns and villages for their own safety.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the GUR intelligence directorate told state media that Kursk and Belgorod regions are now an area of active wars.
He added that Russian citizens in those areas are defending their rights with arms against Putin’s dictatorship.
Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyachslav Gladkov earlier confirmed that two people were killed and at least 20 wounded in attacks by Ukrainian armed forces inside the border.
Meanwhile Russia’s Defense Ministry also said it had repulsed an attack by the Ukrainian army.
Gladkov in a post on social media said he was traveling to border districts, specifically the town of Kozinka, to gather first-hand information of the events.
Kursk regional governor, Roman Starovoit, shared some details on social media adding that Ukrainian terrorists have not stopped their attempts to sabotage Russian territory.
One of the three armed groups, the Freedom of Russia Legion, in a social media asked residents of certain towns to leave the area amid the possible military activity.
Another group the Siberian Battalion, said it had noted panic in the town of Grayvoron with cars lining up to leave the war zone
The two of the groups had announced launching of a cross-border attack earlier this week.
Earlier the Freedom of Russia legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps have claimed responsibility for other cross-border assaults on Russian troops from Ukraine.
