IN BRIEF: What we know so far about Ukrainian sabotage attack on Belgorod Region
TASSMay 22, 2023
The Facts
Two paramilitary groups crossed from Ukraine into Russia's Belgorod region on Monday, overrunning a border checkpoint in the settlement of Kozinka, resulting in armed clashes that injured a number of civilians.
Russian officials alleged the groups were Ukrainian saboteurs and said that the Russian military, the National Guard, and the Federal Security Service were taking "necessary measures to eliminate the enemy." They further alleged the move was initiated to divert focus away from Russia's capture of the Donetsk city of Bakhmut over the weekend.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine has no involvement in these attacks. These movements are being carried out by Russian citizens who support Ukraine's fight against Vladimir Putin's tyranny.
Nerd narrative
There's a 4% chance that a coup or regime change will take place in Russia before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
