Belarusian volunteers are reportedly participating in the offensive near Kursk, Russia.
According to Tech evidence of their involvement includes footage of a tank adorned with a flag associated with the anti-Lukashenko opposition in Belarus.
Among the volunteer forces is the "Tur" armored unit, primarily composed of Belarusians, which has been actively acquiring equipment seized from Russian forces.
The "Tur" unit is part of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion and frequently reports on its latest captured weaponry. Another group, the Kalinowski Regiment, made up of Belarusian fighters, is also fighting alongside the Ukrainian army.
While specific details on the types of equipment these volunteers are using remain sparse, they are known to possess a range of heavy vehicles.
jazzybodyyy on August 20th, 2024 at 23:30 UTC »
They've been there since the start of the war.
They also have their own units, Kalinowski regiment and Tur regiment.
Sir_Jax on August 20th, 2024 at 23:17 UTC »
what a surprising development is true. Well done to the people there for remembering they have a strong spine.
Ertosi on August 20th, 2024 at 23:09 UTC »
I first saw this news early this morning but haven't seen it posted here yet. This morning, also from Dagens.com, the specific headline I saw read along the lines of Tank with Belarusian Flag Fighting Russia in the Kursk Region, but looks like the title was since edited, or perhaps I'm not seeing the same article. I must admit, when I first saw it I cheered out loud.
From what I've read, the Belarusian flag in question is the older version, white with a red stripe, which has been in use by the Belarusian opposition party, which have been assisting Ukraine since Russia first invaded. Probably why the original title was changed, as it didn't specify which flag it was.
While looking for this article to share here, I also found this youtube vid showing the tank in question posted by Kanal13 news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na0USShkKvw
Hoping this joint effort in Kursk might spread and keep the good momentum going!
Edit: In the Kanal13 news video I mentioned above where they showed the tank in question flying a Belarusian flag, they also read an interview transcript they had with a Ukrainian military expert Vladyslav Seleznov. He stated the following: "I'm confident that what we saw in the Kursk region is just one stage in the effort to create a security zone. The same security zone that Putin once dreamed of is now being established by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. [...] The larger the area of control by the Ukrainian Army in the Kursk region, the safer the conditions for residents of Sumy will be."
This is the first solid reason I've read for why this counter-incursion into Kursk has happened, and what goals Ukrainian military leadership has with the operation. To create a buffer zone.
According to https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/expert/vladyslav-seleznov.html
Vladyslav Seleznov is a Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military journalist. Held the position of Chief of the Crimean Media Center of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine until the annexation of the peninsula by Russia.
This is why I love Ukraine so much! Putin asked for a buffer zone (in Ukraine), so Ukraine is saying good idea, only let's make it in Russia!