According to Oleksiy Danilov, the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, there are numerous Russians who are actively fighting against Putin’s regime in Ukraine. This phenomenon is not limited to isolated incidents, as explained by Danilov during a recent television interview on October 26. He specifically mentioned the formation of the Sibir (Siberia) battalion within the Ukrainian Armed Forces as an example. This battalion consists of Russian citizens and Russian minorities who vehemently oppose the Putin regime and wish to support Ukraine in its fight. Danilov hinted that more battalions like Sibir would likely be formed in the near future.
An article by Bloomberg reported that the Ukrainian military has established a battalion entirely composed of Russian citizens who want to combat Putin’s invasion. These individuals, including representatives of ethnic minorities in Russia, have traveled through third countries to join the Ukrainian army. Unlike volunteer groups such as the Freedom of Russia legion, the soldiers in the Sibir battalion are official members of the regular Ukrainian army and anticipate being sent to battle soon.
Ukrainian officials hope to attract more Russian citizens, particularly from minority groups, to join them in their fight against Putin. The individuals who joined the Sibir battalion underwent rigorous security checks to ensure their loyalty to Ukraine. They have also signed military contracts and adopted army call signs to protect their identities.
The Sibir battalion is comprised entirely of volunteers who are not recruited from Russian prisoners of war. Ukrainian military officials are working to expedite the lengthy background check process, which can take up to a year, in order to encourage more Russians to join their ranks.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
