Military raids have been reported in the Belgorod region, emanating from Russian fighters infiltrated from Ukraine and opposed to Putin's regime. Two groups would be at the maneuver: the Russian Volunteer Corps, a paramilitary formation classified as far right, and the Freedom Legion of Russia, presented as more moderate.
Maria Noël, from RFI's Russian service in Paris, was able to meet with the head of the "Civil Council", an organization of Russian emigrants allied with the first unit. She discusses how volunteers are recruited, the functions of her organization, and why a Russian right-wing nationalist and a yoga teacher can find themselves side by side on the battlefield.