Pro-Ukraine Russian soldiers attack Belgorod on eve of election

A group of Russian soldiers fighting for Kyiv who attacked Russian towns have urged civilians to evacuate within an hour and a half. The pro-Kyiv militia, called the Freedom of Russia Legion, today renewed its call for civilians to flee Belgorod and Kursk, threatening large-scale attacks on military targets in the Russian border cities this morning. “Immediately leave Kursk and Belgorod regions, all major population centers,” a member of the unit reportedly said in a video posted on social media. “We will open fire on military targets on this territory within an hour and a half after this appeal.” Alexei Baranovsky, a volunteer soldier for the group, has said the aim of the daring strikes is to disrupt tomorrow’s Russian election. Mr Baranovsky added that fighting has broken out in five settlements inside Russian territory, with footage circulating on social media of alleged strikes in Belgorod showing buildings and cars on fire, reportedly caused by shelling. The counter-in