Russians who want to fight against Vladimir Putin’s forces in Ukraine have been given their own battalion.
The unit - named the Freedom for Russia - is made up entirely of Russian citizens, including some who had previously been prisoners of war during the conflict.
Three members of battalion appeared at a press conference in Kyiv last week, where they urged their fellow countrymen to deflect.
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The men, who wore military fatigues and balaclavas, said they were outraged by their country’s actions in Ukraine.
One of the men claimed he’d been tricked into entering Ukraine, after being told he was part of a ‘so-called military exercise’.
The man said he had switched sides after being captured by Ukrainian forces, while speaking out against the ‘atrocities’ carried out on behalf of ‘Putin’s regime’.
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He told reporters: “I decided to join the Freedom of Russia legion, first of all, to fight against Putin’s regime to fight for a future for our children and grandchildren at home.”
Another of the fighters said: “We were told propaganda. But there are no fascists here, no Nazis, but a civilian population.
“I want to fight this lawless Putin regime so people can speak and breathe freely.”
He added: “I want to fight against this lawless Putin regime so people can speak and breathe freely without being afraid.”
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Another Russian who has decided to help out Ukrainian forces told TIME: “No Russian should have crossed the border with a weapon in his hand.
“I am here to oppose Russian aggression and also defend Ukraine.”
The man, who goes by the name Yan, told the news outlet he scouts and identifies potential military targets and brings medical supplies to those on the front line.
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He also claimed there was a ‘reasonable’ number of Russians who are working alongside Ukrainians - adding that they are ‘generally well tolerated’ but there ‘are a lot of jokes told at their expense’.
Yan went on: “And why not, you know? Ukrainians are going through huge psychological trauma so this is totally understandable. I am not offended.”
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, World News
Claire Reid