The Freedom of Russia Legion, a volunteer unit fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, has issued a direct appeal to Russian soldiers amidst the fighting in the Kursk region.
The Legion, composed of Russian volunteers opposing the Kremlin, has called on Russian troops to surrender to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (ZSU) or, for those seeking to continue fighting, to join their ranks and fight for a “normal future” for Russia.
The message from the Legion comes at a time when battles are intensifying in the border areas between Russia and Ukraine, specifically in the Kursk region. In their address, the Freedom of Russia Legion sharply criticised the Russian military command, accusing them of issuing orders that disregard the lives of ordinary soldiers. The Legion described the advice from Russian political officers, urging soldiers not to surrender but instead to sacrifice their lives by detonating their own grenades, as reckless and inhumane.
Appeal to Russian soldiers by the Freedom of Russia Legion
The Legion’s statement read: “Your political officers, sitting comfortably behind the lines, insist that you do not surrender but instead blow yourself up with your own grenade. However, Russian soldiers are choosing to ignore these criminal orders by the hundreds, choosing to live rather than die for another medal for their colonel or another mansion for [Russian General Valery] Gerasimov.”
The statement from the Legion continued to offer a different path for Russian soldiers, one they characterised as a “healthy alternative to senseless death.” They called on soldiers to voluntarily surrender to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, following in the footsteps of other Russian troops who have already made the decision to lay down their arms.
Opportunity for Defectors
In addition to encouraging surrender, the Legion extended an invitation to those who might be willing to continue fighting – but for a cause they believe will better Russia’s future. The Legion presented the option of defecting and joining their own ranks, describing it as a viable choice for soldiers disillusioned with the Kremlin’s military objectives.
“For those who wish to continue fighting for a normal future for Russia, the iron option remains – join the Legion,” the statement added.
The Freedom of Russia Legion is composed of Russian nationals who oppose the current Russian leadership and the ongoing war against Ukraine. The group, although operating within the Ukrainian military structure, promotes a vision of a post-war Russia free from the control of Vladimir Putin’s government. The Legion has made it clear that they are willing to speak with any Russian soldier who shows an interest in “turning their weapons against the Kremlin.”
The Freedom of Russia Legion was formed early in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and it has since been involved in several operations on Ukrainian soil, fighting against Russian forces.
The Legion consists of Russian defectors, dissidents, and volunteers who believe in overthrowing Putin’s regime and establishing a more democratic and transparent Russian state. They are one of several such units that have emerged during the conflict, driven by opposition to the Russian government’s actions and its domestic and foreign policies.
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