The head of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), Denis Kapustin, has announced that the corps is behind the incursions in the Belgorod region and will continue to enter Russian territory, BBC writes.
Russia reported on the 22nd of May that it had repelled the attack, killing more than 70 saboteurs. Ukraine has denied its involvement in the events in Belgorod, and Russian paramilitary groups – Kapustin’s RDK and Liberty of Russia Legion (LSR) – have taken responsibility for them.
The RDK managed to obtain weapons and an armored personnel carrier and take hostages before leaving Russian territory after 24 hours of operation. Kapustin informed that two fighters were wounded, and
denied the news spread by Moscow about the heavy losses.
The LSR reported two dead and ten wounded.
Kapustins denied reports that his group would use weaponry supplied to Ukraine by western countries and stated that Ukraine supports the RDK only with food, medical supplies and fuel.
The RDK became known to the wider public when it entered the Bryansk region of Russia in March. Kapustin is a Russian nationalist, and his group makes no secret of its desire to see an ethnically homogeneous Russia. Asked about neo-Nazis in his organisation, Kapustin said it was a matter of perception and described himself as a stickler for traditional values and a patriot.
Russia has released photos of US military vehicles allegedly seen in Belgorod, but
some military experts and bloggers believe the scene is staged.
The United States has also indicated that it is skeptical about reports of Western weapons allegedly used in Belgorod.
Read also: US distances from the attacks near Belgorod