Russian city of Belgorod reports air strikes

From the early morning of March 14, the Russian city of Belgorod has been reporting strikes. 

Russian media have claimed a supposed breakthrough by sabotage-reconnaissance groups in the Belgorod Oblast, Rubryka reports.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated on Telegram that air defense systems were activated near Belgorod and in the Belgorod region today, allegedly downing eight aerial targets. According to Gladkov, a hit to a car near Belgorod exploded, with the driver allegedly killed.

Russian media claim the shelling was carried out with cluster munitions. The governor also reported that two women and a man sought medical attention. He claimed there was damage to buildings and vehicles in the region.

The city of Grayvoron was also under attack, with reportedly one casualty. At the time of the strike, the individual was near a grocery store. Buildings, cars, and non-residential premises were damaged.

Meanwhile, Russian media online stated that a "Ukrainian DRG" was allegedly attempting to penetrate the territory of the Belgorod Oblast, and fighting was ongoing in the area near the settlement of Spodaryushine.

As previously reported, anti-aircraft defense forces in the Russian Belgorod and Kursk regions were repelling a drone attack.

What we know about Russian volunteer fighter operations in the territory of Russia

The "Freedom of Russia" Legion has conducted multiple raids near the Russian Federation. They have maintained control of territories and encountered Russian military forces.

On March 12, the "Freedom of Russia" Legion and the "Siberian Battalion" began a new raid and entered the Belgorod Oblast. Specifically, they are advancing on tanks in multiple directions.

Russian volunteers are actively posting messages. They announced that they are "going to the polls" and "will do everything to move Putin from Novo-Ogaryovo to Polar Wolf."

The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence commented on the weapons of Russian volunteers who breached the Russian border on March 12. They also explained the "phenomenon" of such raids, which are not unprecedented.

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense followed the usual scenario, only mentioning "attempts" of invasion by volunteer forces onto Russian territory. They have already found the "guilty parties" and reported on the "repulsion" of volunteers and the "elimination" of dozens of them.

Russian dictator Putin believes that the breakthrough by fighters from the Legion "Freedom of Russia," "RDC," and the "Siberian Battalion" in the Belgorod and Kursk regions is an attempt to disrupt the elections in the Russian Federation and to gain leverage for territorial exchanges in possible negotiations.