Russia’s anti-Putin militias

The raid into Russian territory by two anti-Putin Russian militias based in Ukraine has cast a spotlight on the groups, whose existence was, until recently, denied by the Kremlin

Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL): Formed from Russian Army company who defected to Ukrainian side, plus other Russian volunteers. Comprises two battalions, up to 1,000 troops

Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC): Led by call-sign White Rex AKA Denis Kapustin/Nikitin (right) Russian right-wing extremist

National Republican Army (NRA): Allegedly responsible for Aug 2022 murder of right-wing journalist Darya Dugina. Represented by Ilya Ponomarev (left), former member of Russian Duma

Combat Organization of Anarcho-Communists (BOAK): Active since at least 2020, engaging in partisan activity deep within Russia since Ukraine invasion 

Aug 31, 2022: Irpin Declaration by FRL, RVC and NRA establishes principles of Russian armed opposition against Putin regime on both sides of front

May 22: Banned flag of opposition movement flown over Moscow

May 22: Attack on villages of Kozinka and Grayvoron, Belgorod Oblast claimed by
FRL and RVC

Mar 22: Cross-border raid by 45 members of RVC on Lyubechane and Sushany villages, Bryansk Oblast

Sumy
Irpin
Kharkiv
Kyiv
Kursk
Belgorod
Bryansk
50 miles
80km
RUSSIA
UKRAINE

© GRAPHIC NEWS
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Business Insider
Pictures: Getty Images