Fighting rages inside Russia as Moscow reports gains in Ukraine. Reports of fighting are emerging from various parts of Russia, despite government claims that a major incursion into eastern Ukraine has met with significant Russian successes.
As fighting continues across Russia, unverified videos circulated online appear to show Russian civilians engaging in urban combat, apparently with Russian army troops. Eyewitnesses told Reuters that armored personnel carriers had rolled into central streets, gunfire could be heard in the background.
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected speech earlier today to celebrate the Defense Ministry’s recent anniversary, extolling the nation’s ability to defend its territorial integrity, referring to unspecified ‘aggravation’ caused by Ukraine on its borders, implying that Kyiv is solely responsible for tensions between the countries.
In stark contrast, local news outlets began broadcasting footage depicting military convoys in various stages of disrepair and abandoned machinery. Some online observers have connected this footage with allegations of Ukraine forces’ hit-and-run ambushes on key transportation routes for the Russian Armed Forces.
International reactions to ongoing combat within Russian territory have led many to view Putin’s announcements of gains as premature, prompting multiple countries and world leaders to release statements addressing Russia’s activities as ‘brave’ to their own residents while expressing international dismay at military mobilization near and within border.
As Ukraine itself continues grappling with the unconfirmed reports and possible implications surrounding potential Russian breaches of its internationally recognized borders. The situation could quickly escalate the fragile peace the international community thought existed between neighbors since the disputed Crimean referendum, and might set off diplomatic responses of varying extent in the regions where Russia interacts.
