Russia-Ukraine Flash Report 22 MAY 2023 03:30 PDT - What is Happening in Belgorod

Several hours ago, the independent but Ukrainian-supported organization Freedom of Russia Legion 📺 released a video condemning the Russian government, the corruption, Putin's leadership, and the treatment of its people. The leaders went on to say, "But the time has come to put an end to the Kremlin dictatorship! Thank you to everyone who supports us, who sends us donations and 'smokes where it is needed.' Your support is what every day reminds us the final goal is Red Square."

About two hours later, reports started flooding social media that an unmarked tank, or tanks, had rolled across the Russian border from Kharkiv into Belgorod at the Glotov border crossing after intense shelling. Freedom of Legion units appears to have defeated Russian border guards, with a jumble of reports from Russian, Ukrainian, and Freedom of Russia Legion sources. 

Radio stations in the region appear to have been hacked, with announcements for residents to evacuate immediately. Russian sources reported that explosions near Belgorod were air defense missiles, with one landing in a densely populated area, but there is no major Ukrainian attack.

Flags appeared in three border villages in Russia, declaring the formation of the Belgorod People's Republic. Russian sources released a graphic video showing at least one border guard at the border checkpoint in Glotov dead.

We initially thought this was just a massive psychological operation, but Russian State Media is now begging people not to share information about what is happening in Belgorord, and Belgorod Governor Gladkov is claiming that all reports are fake.

In our assessment, this is not a psychological operation, but we are unsure if this is a partisan activity within Russia, a "little green men" invasion supported by Ukraine, or other activity.

Back to the SITREP, which is enormous and may come out in chunks. Sleep is for the weak.