Russians mine dams around Belgorod in preparation for false flag operations
Russian troops are actively mining dams near Belgorod, likely in preparation for false flag operations in which Ukraine can be blamed for the environmental and humanitarian impact.
Source: Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational Tactical Group, on Telegram
Details: Sarantsev said that as well as building fortifications around Belgorod, the Russians are also mining general and special-purpose water supply systems.
Quote: "This could be regarded as a ‘bookmark’ for the future – if, for example, the situation changes dramatically and the Russians have to blow up dams to slow down the advance of the Ukrainian defence forces. Or possibly Russia is preparing for false flag operations at hydroelectric facilities so that Ukraine can be blamed for the subsequent environmental and humanitarian impact."
Details: Sarantsev noted that such actions could be used to mobilise the Russian population and divert attention from the country's internal problems. The blowing up of hydroelectric facilities could cause large-scale flooding, leading to settlements being inundated and unleashing an environmental disaster.
Background:
- In August, Russia announced the creation of new groups of forces to defend Belgorod Oblast due to the failure of the defence of Kursk Oblast.
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border near the town of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, on 6 August 2024.
- Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said on 27 August that Ukraine had captured 594 Russian soldiers since the start of the operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and controlled more than 100 settlements or 1,294 sq km of territory.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said these actions were aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent Russian military operations against Ukraine.
- Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has persistently downplayed the results of Ukraine's successful operation in Kursk in his attempts to convince the Russian public that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' control of Russian territory means nothing.
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