Anti-Putin Armed Forces in Russia: A New Front in the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict has taken a new turn with the emergence of two anti-Putin armed groups in Russia: the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and the Freedom of Russia Legion. Their activities, primarily located in the western Belgorod region, have brought a renewed focus to the dynamics of this conflict.

Origins and Composition of the Russian Volunteer Corps

The Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), established by a far-right Russian national in August 2022, consists of Russians fighting against their own country in Ukraine. The group has claimed responsibility for several operations within Russian territory, highlighting their dedication to their cause and their willingness to resort to violence to achieve their goals.

One of the group’s notable members, Ilya Bogdanov, formerly an officer of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian Federation’s primary security agency, defected to Ukraine in 2014. Bogdanov gained Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 after fighting for Kyiv against Russian-backed forces. He was identified in a video released by the RVC, where he claims the group successfully captured a Russian armored personnel carrier. This event brought significant attention to the group, exposing their activities to a wider audience and garnering support from anti-Putin entities.

Freedom of Russia Legion and its Goals

Formed in the spring of 2022, the Freedom of Russia Legion operates under Ukrainian command. Their genesis was born from the desire of Russians to fight against “Putin’s armed gang” within the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The group claimed responsibility for the attack in Belgorod, further establishing their foothold in the region.

Maximillian Andronnikov, known as “Caesar,” is the self-proclaimed commander of the group. Andronnikov, originally a member of the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), an ultranationalist group opposed to Putin’s regime, has since turned his opposition into active warfare against Putin. Born in Sochi and having lived in St. Petersburg, Andronnikov was an archery trainer before the war. His involvement with the Freedom of Russia Legion demonstrates his dedication to his cause — the removal of Putin from power.

Member Profiles and External Support

Both the RVC and the Freedom of Russia Legion comprise members with far-right connections and veterans of anti-Kremlin groups, including former members of the Russian security services. It is noteworthy that a reported ten fighters from the Freedom of Russia Legion and another thirty from the Russian Volunteer Corps were present at a recent press event, marking the first sustained fighting on Russian territory since the conflict’s inception.

There are concerns about the nature and extent of foreign involvement in these groups. Notably, the White House is currently investigating reports of these militias using US-supplied M1224 MaxxPro Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. If confirmed, it could suggest that the US involvement in the conflict is deeper than previously thought. Despite these allegations, Ukrainian officials have denied any connection to these militias, further complicating the situation.

New Dimensions in the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

The emergence of these anti-Putin armed groups and their activities within Russian territory represent a new front in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. These groups not only challenge Putin’s regime but also alter the dynamics of the conflict. The fact that these are Russian citizens willing to fight against their own country on Ukrainian soil underscores the complexity of the conflict, reflecting deeply rooted political, ideological, and nationalistic tensions.

The groups’ activities have already caught the attention of international stakeholders, with allegations of foreign supplied weaponry and potential tacit support. Whether these groups will escalate the conflict or act as catalysts for change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: their presence adds a new layer of complexity to the already multifaceted Russo-Ukrainian conflict.