Key Facts
- First incursion date
- 22 May 2023
- Second incursion date
- 1 June 2023
- Third major operation
- 12 March 2024
- Lead attacking groups
- Freedom of Russia Legion, Russian Volunteer Corps
- Russian response
- Counter-terrorism measures imposed in Belgorod Oblast
Strategic Narrative Overview
On 22 May 2023, the attacking groups crossed into Belgorod Oblast, claiming control of several border settlements and engaging Russian forces in the Grayvoronsky District. Russian authorities labeled the attackers a Ukrainian sabotage group and imposed counter-terrorism measures. A second incursion near Shebekino began on 1 June, described by the RVC as a promised second phase, with the Belarusian Terror Battalion joining. A further major cross-border operation was launched on 12 March 2024 into Belgorod and Kursk Oblasts.
01 / The Origins
The incursions arose from the broader context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine begun on 24 February 2022. Two Russian rebel formations based in Ukraine—the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps—sought to carry the conflict onto Russian soil, aiming to stretch Russian defensive resources and foment domestic opposition to the Kremlin. The Polish Volunteer Corps and, later, a Belarusian volunteer unit also participated.
03 / The Outcome
The outcome of the incursions remained unresolved as of the available reporting, with no decisive territorial change confirmed. Russian forces repelled or contested the raiding groups without acknowledging loss of permanent control of any settlements. The stated rebel objective—drawing Russian troops away from other front sectors and encouraging internal resistance to the Russian government—had not produced a measurable strategic shift by the time of the March 2024 operation.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
4 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.