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Why it issues: As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, a small however decided group of Russian nationals have joined the Ukrainian military to withstand Putin’s aggression. They hope to encourage extra of their compatriots to defect and be part of the reason for a free and democratic Ukraine.
The massive image: The Siberian Battalion is a unit of the common Ukrainian military that consists of Russians who’ve renounced their allegiance to Moscow and sworn loyalty to Kyiv. They’re largely from ethnic minorities in Russia’s far east, who face discrimination and repression underneath Putin’s regime.
Driving the information:
- Information company AP spoke to a number of the fighters within the battalion, who shared their tales of how they got here to battle towards their homeland.
- Karabas, a younger Russian from Moscow, was shocked by the photographs of the conflict in Ukraine and determined to affix the Ukrainian military. He left his household and mates behind and traveled to Armenia, the place he realized Ukrainian and met different defectors.
- Holod, one other Russian fighter, mentioned he needs to see Putin’s administration faraway from energy. He mentioned he was disillusioned along with his personal folks, who both supported or ignored the invasion of Ukraine.
- The battalion’s members bear rigorous safety checks and coaching earlier than they’re deployed to the entrance strains in jap Ukraine, the place they face their former countrymen in a brutal battle.
- The battalion was created six months in the past and has just a few dozen fighters. The Ukrainian navy hopes to recruit extra Russians to affix its ranks and goals to have a 300-man-strong battalion of Russian fighters.
What they’re saying: The fighters within the battalion mentioned they’re combating for a free Ukraine and a free Russia, and hope to encourage extra Russians to defect and be part of them.
Karabas mentioned he believes there are “tens, a whole bunch of hundreds” of Russians who’re prepared to battle with Ukraine. “I believe we should always have much more (Russian fighters),” he mentioned.
Holod mentioned he hopes {that a} Ukrainian victory will result in a change in Russia. “When this occurs, we are able to speak about victory,” he mentioned. “Russia will at the least stop to be a supply of sudden aggression.”
The opposite facet: Russia has denied that it has any troopers in Ukraine, and has accused Kyiv of utilizing overseas mercenaries and terrorists to battle towards the pro-Russian separatists within the east. Moscow has additionally cracked down on any dissent or opposition inside Russia, arresting and jailing activists, journalists, and politicians who criticize Putin or assist Ukraine.
The underside line: The Siberian Battalion is a uncommon and memorable instance of Russians who’ve turned towards their very own nation and joined the enemy in a conflict that has killed over 14,000 folks and displaced hundreds of thousands. Their braveness and sacrifice present that not all Russians are loyal to Putin, and that some are prepared to threat the whole lot for a greater future.
(With inputs from AP)
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