March 15, 2024

Russian Ministry of Defense: Russian forces block Ukrainian attempt to attack Belgorod region inside Russia

Russian Defense Ministry

On 14 March 2024, the Russian Armed Forces, together with the border forces of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), thwarted another attempt launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to break through the territory of Belgorod region of the Russian Federation, this time near Kozinka.

▫️ At around 16:30 Moscow time, in order to achieve suddenness, a Ukrainian sabotage group of militants of special operations forces and foreign mercenaries on two Mi-8 helicopters, using the terrain features, landed up to 30 people on Ukrainian territory 1 km away from the State border of the Russian Federation.

▫️ After the landing, the sabotage group secretly moved towards the village of Kozinka (Belgorod region), located directly near the State border of the Russian Federation, where it entered several houses on its outskirts.

▫️ In an attempt to advance deeper into the settlement, the Ukrainian saboteurs were detected and stopped by units of the Russian Armed Forces together with the border forces of the Russian Federal Security Service.

▫️ Artillery fire, Army Aviation strikes, and aviation-guided bombs have engaged the enemy. To prevent the reserves from approaching, the terrain was remotely mined.

▫️ With significant losses, Ukrainian militants began retreating to the Ukrainian territory. A group of saboteurs attempted to gain a foothold in one of the houses on Republikanskaya Street, directly adjacent to the State border, where it was disabled by units of the Russian Armed Forces.

▫️ The remaining saboteurs who had retreated to Ukraine entered a mine field where they were eliminated.

▫️ At the same time, the Tornado MLRS neutralised an enemy group that had advanced to evacuate the wounded and killed Ukrainian saboteurs. The AFU losses amounted to over 50 people.

▫️ At present, the control over the settlement has been fully restored. The area where the sabotage and reconnaissance group was disabled has been mopped up.

▫️ In general, over the past three days from 12 to 14 March 2024, the troops of the Zapad Group of Forces of the Russian Federation together with the border forces of the Russian Federal Security Service have thwarted all attempts of Ukrainian militants to break through Belgorod and Kursk regions of the Russian Federation. Attacks launched by the AFU troops have been repelled.

▫️ The AFU losses amounted to more than 1,500 militants, with about 500 of them non-recoverable18 tanks and 23 armoured fighting vehicles have been neutralised.

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.