"The two major border states of Russia distribute weapons to militias..." Ukraine | Russia | Militia
According to local Russian officials cited by Agence France Presse, on August 2nd, local militia groups in two regions of Russia bordering Ukraine - Kursk Oblast and Belgorod Oblast - obtained weapons to defend the relevant areas from Ukrainian attacks.
The report states that these militia organizations were established in December last year in the two major regions, with the aim of assisting the armed forces, the National Guard, and the police.
Governor Roman Starovoit of Kursk Oblast in western Russia said that the militias in his jurisdiction have received their first batch of weapons. National media reported that militia organizations in Belgorod have received weapons.
According to reports, both regions have repeatedly reported being attacked and shelled by Ukrainian armed forces drones.
Starovoit said on social media, "Kursk Oblast is almost daily hit by terrorist attacks from Ukraine."
He said, "The first batch has arrived at the base. We will increase the number of weapons to 300 in the near future."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that weapon transfers in Belgorod Oblast are necessary to repel attacks from Ukraine.