The Freedom of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) are two groups of Russian citizens who have been involved in military activities against Russian forces, and have notably carried out attacks in Russia’s western Belgorod region. The Freedom of Russia Legion was formed in the spring of 2022 with the goal of fighting alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine against what they describe as “Putin’s armed gang.” They claim to cooperate with the Ukrainian armed forces and operate under Ukrainian command, engaging in combat in eastern Ukraine as well as participating in the attack on Belgorod.
The Russian Volunteer Corps, founded by a far-right Russian national, comprises Russians fighting for Ukraine against their own country. The group has been active over the border in Russian territory, claiming responsibility for raids, including one in Belgorod, and operates as an independent underground group inside Russia with a unit in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. The leadership of the RVC has indicated intentions to conduct more raids.
Kyiv has denied any involvement in these attacks, emphasizing that the attackers are Russian citizens. These groups claim to be acting independently of the Ukrainian government, with objectives that include creating a “security zone” to protect Ukrainian civilians from Russian aggression.
