Russian Defense Ministry Provides Details on Saboteurs' Attempt to Enter Russia

Among the saboteurs who attempted to infiltrate Russia from Ukraine yesterday were foreign mercenaries, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense, according to RIA Novosti.

"Around 16:30 Moscow time, a Ukrainian sabotage group of special operations forces and foreign mercenaries landed a contingent of up to 30 individuals in two Mi-8 helicopters, utilizing the terrain's features, one kilometer away from the state border," the ministry's press release stated.

It was noted that after landing, the saboteurs moved towards the border village of Kozinka in the Belgorod region and entered several houses in the outskirts. During their further advance, they were spotted by Russian soldiers and border guard personnel of the FSB.

The ministry reported that the enemy was struck by artillery, aviation, and guided aerial bombs. Suffering significant losses, the assailants retreated to Ukrainian territory. The remnants of the sabotage group exited a minefield, where they were destroyed.

The Russian Ministry of Defense noted: "Simultaneously with this operation, a group of the enemy moving to evacuate wounded and killed Ukrainian saboteurs was destroyed by Tornado MLRS. The total losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to more than 50 personnel."

Russian forces have fully regained control over the village and cleared the area.

It should be noted that from March 12-14, troops from the Zapad grouping, in conjunction with the FSB, thwarted several attempts by Ukrainian militants to infiltrate the Belgorod and Kursk regions.